The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has ordered civilians, humanitarian workers and United Nations personnel to immediately leave opposition-held areas of Jonglei State ahead of a planned military offensive dubbed “Operation Enduring Peace.”
In a statement issued on Saturday, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said the directives target areas under the control of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), specifically Nyirol, Uror and Akobo counties, citing the imminent start of military operations.
He warned that any armed civilians found near SPLA-IO barracks, assembly points or rally grounds would be considered legitimate military targets.
“With imminent commencement of ‘Operation Enduring Peace’, all civil population 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,” the statement said.
The army also ordered armed civilians who do not wish to take part in hostilities to surrender their weapons at the nearest SSPDF garrison without delay.
Youths who are not members of the White Army — a Nuer-dominated community militia allied with the SPLA-IO — were instructed to relocate their families and livestock to government-controlled territories.
“All NGOs and UNMISS personnel operating and working in Nyirol, Uror and Akobo counties are given 48 hours to leave,” the SSPDF added.
The directive comes amid escalating military tensions in Jonglei following recent clashes between government forces and opposition fighters, as well as reported mobilization of the White Army in parts of Jonglei and Upper Nile states.
The deteriorating security situation has heightened fears of large-scale civilian displacement and disruption of humanitarian operations.
Jonglei has long been a flashpoint in South Sudan’s conflict, experiencing repeated cycles of intercommunal violence and fighting between government and opposition forces despite the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.
Analysts warn that renewed large-scale fighting could undermine the country’s fragile political transition and worsen an already severe humanitarian crisis.
Humanitarian observers have raised concern over the order for aid agencies and UN personnel to vacate the affected counties, warning it could interrupt life-saving assistance in remote communities facing acute food insecurity and limited access to health services. UN agencies had not publicly responded to the directive by the time of publication.
While the SSPDF says the measures are intended to protect civilians, humanitarian actors caution that forced evacuations in conflict zones often expose communities to greater risk, particularly in areas with poor infrastructure and limited access to safe government-held locations.
