SSPDF orders UNMISS, aid agencies to evacuate Akobo County in 72 hours

2026-03-06 - 15:27

The Chief of Defence Forces of the national army, General Paul Nang Majok, has ordered the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and all aid agencies to evacuate Akobo County, Jonglei State within 72 hours. The ultimatum was announced this afternoon by the Spokesperson of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, Major General Lul Ruai Koang. General Koang said UNMISS and all other aid agencies must leave northern Jonglei within three days, warning that the army will not be responsible for any consequences. He added that the army command is preparing for a second phase of operations in the county. “In light of looming shift in theatre of operations, SSPDF Chief of Defence Forces, General Dr. Paul Nang, hereby issues the following orders. Orders for closure and immediate withdrawal of enemy forces from their temporary operating base in Akobo Town, Akobo County in Jonglei State within seventy-two hours. All UN agencies, NGOs and their staff are hereby to leave within the same window of opportunity,” he said. General Koang also said civilians in the area have been ordered to evacuate to safe locations to avoid being caught in the ongoing military operations. The order comes as government and opposition forces have been clashing in northern Jonglei State since December 2025. The fighting erupted after the SPLA-IO and allied White Army militia captured several areas in Ayod, Uror, and Duk counties earlier this year.