SSPDF evacuation directive in Jonglei State
In Juba, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) issued broad directives telling civilians, humanitarian workers and United Nations personnel to leave opposition-controlled areas of Jonglei State ahead of a planned military offensive labelled “Operation Enduring Peace”.
In a press statement released on Saturday, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said the measures focus on counties described as being under Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) control, notably Nyirol, Uror and Akobo.
Operation Enduring Peace: orders for civilians and armed groups
The statement said civilians in SPLA-IO-controlled parts of Nyirol, Uror and Akobo were “directed to immediately evacuate for safety to government-controlled areas as soon as possible” (SSPDF statement).
The army also instructed armed civilians who do not wish to take part in hostilities to hand over weapons at the nearest SSPDF garrison. Youth not linked to the White Army were told to move families and livestock to government-held areas.
Warning on proximity to SPLA-IO sites
In a more explicit warning, the SSPDF said armed civilians found near SPLA-IO barracks, assembly points or rally grounds would be treated as legitimate military targets, according to the same statement.
The statement referenced the White Army as a Nuer-dominated community militia allied with the SPLA-IO, in the context of the instructions directed at local youth and armed civilians.
NGOs and UNMISS told to leave within 48 hours
The SSPDF directive includes an instruction for “all NGOs and UNMISS personnel” operating in Nyirol, Uror and Akobo counties to leave within 48 hours (SSPDF statement).
UN agencies had not publicly responded in the account provided. The situation has nonetheless drawn attention among humanitarian observers who worry about interruptions to assistance in remote communities.
Jonglei security tensions and humanitarian access concerns
The order comes amid heightened tensions in Jonglei, following clashes between government forces and opposition fighters and reported mobilisation of the White Army in parts of Upper Nile and Jonglei, according to the same report.
Jonglei has repeatedly been described as a flashpoint in South Sudan, with cycles of intercommunal violence and conflict-related clashes continuing despite the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement. Analysts cited in the report warned renewed fighting could strain the political transition.
Civilians at risk amid displacement fears
Humanitarian observers cited concerns that the 48-hour departure order could disrupt aid delivery in areas facing food insecurity and limited medical access, particularly if movement becomes constrained by insecurity and distance.
The army presented the measures as civilian protection. The report notes, however, that evacuations under conflict conditions can increase exposure to risk, especially where infrastructure is limited and safe routes are uncertain.