South Sudan Orders Civilians and UN Personnel to Evacuate Parts of Jonglei State Amid Rising Clashes

South Sudan’s military has issued urgent orders for all civilians, UN personnel, and humanitarian workers to leave three counties in Jonglei State, as an operation against opposition forces prepares to commence.

Clashes in South Sudan, Africa’s youngest nation, have intensified in recent months, reaching levels not seen since 2017, according to the United Nations. Jonglei State, in the country’s east along the Ethiopian border, has been a focal point of some of the fiercest fighting. The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) aim to stop an offensive led by fighters loyal to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO).

The SSPDF, in a statement on Sunday, said an operation called “Operation Enduring Peace” is imminent. Authorities instructed all civilians in Nyirol, Uror, and Akobo counties to evacuate immediately to safer, government-controlled areas.

Additionally, UN personnel and staff of non-governmental organizations have been given 48 hours to leave the three counties.

A UNMISS spokesperson told Reuters, “Our peacekeepers in Akobo remain in place, carrying out all efforts under our mandate to help de-escalate tensions and prevent conflict.” She did not clarify if UN staff remained in the other counties.

Last week, SPLA-IO called on its forces to march on South Sudan’s capital, Juba, signaling a possible major escalation. Earlier this month, SPLA-IO captured Pajut town after heavy fighting in northern Jonglei, raising concerns about the safety of the state capital, Bor.

UNMISS reported that 180,000 people have already been displaced by the conflict in Jonglei. The organization urged South Sudan’s leaders to prioritize the safety of civilians and stop the fighting.

Medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) also confirmed that it had evacuated key staff from Akobo due to the worsening security situation.

The conflict traces back to the 2013–2018 civil war, which erupted along largely ethnic lines and claimed approximately 400,000 lives. While a 2018 peace deal brought relative calm, localized clashes continue to threaten lives and livelihoods.