JUBA, South Sudan - In a critical situation unfolding in eastern South Sudan, thousands of civilians have fled the opposition-held town of Akobo following an evacuation order issued by the national army. This mass exodus began on Saturday night as the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces prepared for a military operation targeting Akobo and the surrounding areas, prompting fears of violent confrontations.
Local officials reported that the situation in Akobo had become dire, with Nhial Lew, a humanitarian affairs official, stating, “The town is now almost empty. Women, children, and the elderly have left and crossed into Ethiopia.” The evacuation was triggered by the government’s ultimatum, set to expire on Monday afternoon, as clashes were already reported west of Akobo since Saturday.
The national army has directed the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to close its base in Akobo as part of the military plans. Furthermore, nongovernmental organizations and civilians were urged to evacuate to prevent collateral damage, following a statement from military spokesperson Lul Ruai Koang regarding the impending assault. Akobo remains a pivotal stronghold for the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO), which is led by Riek Machar, who currently resides in detention as South Sudan's vice president.
The fragile peace established by a 2018 agreement between Machar and President Salva Kiir has relapsed into violence as confrontations have escalated in northern Jonglei since December 2022, when opposition forces captured government positions but faced a counteroffensive that displaced more than 280,000 people in mere weeks.
Akobo, located in the extreme east of South Sudan, has been under opposition control since the outbreak of civil war in 2013. The area has offered a relative sense of security, with over 82,000 displaced individuals having sought refuge in and around Akobo, supported by a small contingent of U.N. peacekeepers. However, the urgency has increased following the government’s order, leaving UNMISS yet to provide an official response regarding the closure of its base. Two U.N. flights successfully evacuated the majority of humanitarian workers on Sunday, but not all agencies have managed to withdraw. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) continues to operate a surgical unit at the Akobo County Hospital, where many injured patients are currently receiving treatment; however, they have not yet evacuated their staff either.
Local health authorities have expressed significant concern for the welfare of patients at the Akobo County Hospital. Dual Diew, the county’s health director, acknowledged the pressing situation, stating, “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.” Health services are strained, and uncertainties about the future of the medical care in Akobo persist as the area braces for possible conflict.
On Saturday, the citizens of Akobo took to the streets, demonstrating against the army’s evacuation order, marching towards the U.N. base in a plea for peace and protection amidst looming threats of violence. The humanitarian situation’ outlook remains precarious as a cloud of uncertainty hangs over the fate of Akobo and its inhabitants.
