Thousands Flee South Sudan Town as Army Orders Evacuation for Military Operation
Thousands of civilians have fled the opposition-held town of Akobo in eastern South Sudan following an evacuation order issued by the army to pave the way for a military operation, officials confirmed on Sunday. The exodus, which began on Saturday night, has left the town nearly empty as residents, including women, children, and the elderly, crossed into Ethiopia for safety.
Evacuation and Escalating Conflict
The government's deadline for evacuation was set to expire on Monday afternoon, but fighting has already been reported west of Akobo since Saturday. Local official Nhial Lew, who oversees humanitarian affairs, stated on Sunday evening, "We are hearing the sound of machine guns approaching." The South Sudan People's Defense Forces ordered the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to close its Akobo base on Friday, with nongovernmental organizations and civilians also instructed to evacuate to avoid collateral damage.
Military spokesperson Lul Ruai Koang explained in a statement that the evacuation is part of preparations for a military assault targeting "Akobo and surrounding areas." Akobo is one of the last strongholds of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO), led by detained Vice President Riek Machar. A 2018 peace deal between Machar and President Salva Kiir has nearly collapsed since fighting resumed last year, with confrontations increasing in Jonglei's northern part since December.
Humanitarian Crisis and Safety Concerns
Akobo, located in far eastern South Sudan and under opposition control since the 2013 civil war, was previously considered a relatively safe haven. The presence of UN peacekeepers had attracted over 82,000 displaced people to seek refuge in and around the town. However, UNMISS has not officially responded to the government's order to shut down its base, though two UN flights evacuated most humanitarian workers on Sunday.
The International Committee of the Red Cross operates a surgical unit at Akobo County Hospital, where several wounded patients are being treated. The ICRC had not yet evacuated its staff, but local health authorities expressed deep concern. Akobo County health director Dual Diew said, "We are worried for our patients at the hospital. We tried to make a plan to take them to a safer location, but we don't have enough fuel."
Civilian Response and Broader Context
On Saturday, civilians in Akobo demonstrated against the army's ultimatum, marching toward the UN base to call for peace and protection. This evacuation follows a government counteroffensive that displaced more than 280,000 people in recent weeks after opposition forces captured government outposts. The situation underscores the fragile state of South Sudan's peace process and the escalating humanitarian toll of renewed conflict.
