Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) started vacating areas of Nasir County in Upper Nile State on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, following the expiration of a 72-hour evacuation ultimatum issued by local authorities over security concerns related to impending military action.

Nasir County Commissioner Chungkuoth Ruon Jal said that humanitarian agencies complied with the order to leave the towns of Mandeng and Torkech, which remain under the control of the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO).

“Today at 6 pm, the ultimatum for the evacuation order will elapse. Five NGOs had already left and they called me to ask for security guarantees once they arrive in Nasir town,” Jal said on Tuesday.

The ultimatum, issued via a press release, directed civilians, aid workers, international and national staff to relocate to the eastern bank of the Sobat River, with NGOs instructed to move to Nasir Town or other safer locations.

The areas were designated as “the next military target” under Operation Enduring Peace Phase Two.

Jal explained the rationale: “Torkech and Mandeng are currently under the SPLA-IO and we have a problem with the SPLA-IO. The former SPLM-IO appointed Nasir county commissioner is controlling these areas and blocking trading. He declined our evacuation order severally and we have to use force to have him expelled.”

Compliance among civilians remained uncertain by Tuesday evening.

Community leaders in Torkech informed the commissioner that a delegation would be dispatched to discuss next steps.

Defiers, including civilians, were warned they would receive no security guarantees.

The order follows a pattern of escalating tensions in Upper Nile State, where administrative rivalries and military preparations have heightened risks for civilians and humanitarian operations.

No immediate casualty figures or large-scale displacement numbers were reported from this specific ultimatum, though broader fighting in the region has displaced thousands in recent months.

No responses were available from the Upper Nile State Information Minister Peter Nywojo Akwinyo or SPLA-IO representatives.

The development raises fresh concerns about humanitarian access and civilian protection amid stalled implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement and ongoing clashes between SSPDF and SPLA-IO forces.