The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is seeking urgent clarification from government authorities after the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) ordered peacekeepers and humanitarian workers to vacate the town of Akobo within 72 hours.

The directive, issued Friday by SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, demands that UNMISS close its temporary operating base and withdraw all personnel from Akobo by early next week.

The military also instructed all United Nations agencies, NGOs, and their staff to evacuate the area within the same timeframe.

UNMISS spokesperson Priyanka Chowdhury confirmed the mission had received reports of the order.

“UNMISS notes reported orders calling for the withdrawal of peacekeepers from its base in Akobo,” Chowdhury said.

“The mission is seeking clarification from relevant authorities regarding these directives.”

The SSPDF cited the completion of the first phase of a military campaign dubbed “Operation Enduring Peace” and the planned launch of a new phase of offensive operations in the area.

“Akobo town and surrounding areas are the next targets for the second phase of offensive military operations,” Koang said. “The above orders are being issued in advance in order to avoid unnecessary collateral damage. We have given this order because we are done with recapturing bases that we had lost in December 2025 and early January 2026.”

Civilians living in Akobo and nearby villages were also instructed to relocate to government-controlled areas or other locations they consider safer.

Akobo, located near the border with Ethiopia, has long been a stronghold of the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO).

Northern Jonglei has seen a surge in violence and civilian displacement since December 2025, forcing large numbers of people from neighbouring Uror and Nyirol counties to seek refuge in Akobo.

The presence and operations of UNMISS in South Sudan are governed by the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), a legal framework between the government and the United Nations that defines the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of the peacekeeping mission.

Under its mandate from the United Nations Security Council, UNMISS is tasked with protecting civilians, monitoring and investigating human rights violations, supporting the implementation of peace agreements, and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

The military order has raised serious concerns about the safety of civilians, the continued presence of humanitarian organizations in the remote northeastern town, and the ability of UNMISS to fulfil its protection mandate as military operations expand.

No immediate response has been issued from the government or SSPDF leadership beyond the initial directive.