By William Madouk
South Sudan’s army has ordered civilians and humanitarian organizations to leave opposition-held areas of Jonglei State within 48 hours, ahead of a military operation it says is aimed at restoring security in the region.
The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said the army will soon launch “Operation Enduring Peace” in areas controlled by the SPLA-IO in Nyirol, Uror and Akobo counties.
“With the imminent start of Operation Enduring Peace, all civil populations in SPLA-IO–controlled areas of Nyirol, Uror and Akobo are directed to immediately evacuate for safety to government-controlled areas as soon as possible,” Koang said in a statement.
The army also warned armed civilians who do not wish to fight to surrender their weapons to nearby military bases.
“Armed civilians not interested in fighting with government forces must immediately hand over their weapons to the nearest SSPDF garrison without further unnecessary delays,” he added.
Koang added that civilians not affiliated with the White Army, an armed youth group active in the region, should leave the affected areas with their families and livestock.
“Those who are not part and parcel of the White Army should move with their families and livestock to the nearest government-controlled areas,” the statement said.
The SSPDF further warned that armed civilians found near opposition military sites would be treated as combatants.
“Armed civilians found loitering in and around SPLA-IO barracks, assembly areas and rally grounds would be considered legitimate military targets,” the statement said.
Humanitarian organisations and other non-military personnel were also ordered to leave the three counties within 48 hours.
“All NGOs and enemy personnel operating and working in Nyirol, Uror and Akobo counties are given 48 hours to leave,” Koang said.
Jonglei State has long been plagued by insecurity and sporadic clashes involving government forces, opposition groups and armed youth.
Meanwhile, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) was forced to evacuate its critical staff from Akobo County amid a rapidly deteriorating security situation.
The evacuation took place on 24 January following a clear instruction from the relevant authorities, prompting the international medical charity to drastically scale down its operations in the area.
“MSF activities are now reduced to a minimum in Akobo,” the organization said in a statement. “MSF finds this decision deplorable, given the scale of needs in the region amidst the ongoing conflict.”
The withdrawal has raised serious concerns for thousands of civilians who depend on MSF for emergency and primary healthcare in one of South Sudan’s most conflict-affected regions.
The decision comes as tensions rise in Jonglei State, with increased fears of renewed military operations that could further destabilize already fragile communities.
MSF noted that the Akobo evacuation follows a similar incident in Lankien, also in Jonglei State, where staff were previously forced to leave due to insecurity.