The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has reaffirmed its commitment to remain in Akobo town, Jonglei State, despite a March 6, 2026, directive from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) ordering peacekeepers, humanitarian partners, and civilians to leave within 72 hours ahead of planned military operations.

The SSPDF order, issued by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Paul Nang Majok and announced by spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, called for the closure of UNMISS’s temporary operating base in Akobo and the immediate withdrawal of all UN and NGO personnel.

It cited the completion of an initial phase of operations (“Operation Enduring Peace”) and the need to avoid collateral damage during the next phase targeting opposition-held areas.

As the 72-hour deadline expired on March 10, many civilians fled across the border into Ethiopia, fearing an imminent offensive.

Local SPLM-IO-appointed commissioner John Wiyual Lul confirmed widespread displacement from Akobo town and surrounding villages.

UNMISS responded firmly: “For its part, UNMISS reaffirms that its peacekeepers will remain in Akobo, providing a protective presence for civilians,” the mission stated.

Anita Kiki Gbeho, UNMISS officer-in-charge, warned that “any military operations in and around Akobo gravely endanger the safety and security of civilians” and urged all parties to prioritize civilian protection.

The mission stressed that the safety of UN personnel, premises, and assets must be respected, and it is engaging with national, state, and local authorities on the matter.

South Sudan’s Information Minister Ateny Wek Ateny defended the directive, describing it as a follow-up to prior correspondences with the UN and a reminder of an alleged earlier understanding for eventual withdrawal.

The standoff highlights escalating tensions in northern Jonglei, an opposition stronghold near the Ethiopian border that has seen recent clashes between SSPDF forces and the SPLA-IO.

Akobo hosts a significant number of displaced people seeking refuge, and UNMISS’s presence has been seen as a deterrent to violence.

The decision by UNMISS to stay has drawn international attention, with related reports of calls from the Troika (US, UK, Norway) for President Salva Kiir to revoke the order, and concerns from civil society and RJMEC about risks to tens of thousands of civilians.

The situation remains fluid amid fears of renewed fighting.