Thousands of residents in Akobo County, Jonglei State, have begun fleeing across the border into Ethiopia after the expiration of a 72-hour ultimatum issued by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) ordering civilians, United Nations peacekeepers, and humanitarian organizations to vacate the area ahead of planned military operations.

The SSPDF directive, announced on Friday, March 6, 2026, by military spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, required the closure of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) temporary operating base in Akobo town and the immediate withdrawal of all UN agencies, NGOs, and their staff.

Civilians were instructed to relocate to SSPDF-controlled areas or seek safer locations.

The deadline expired on Monday, March 9, 2026.

John Wiyual Lul, the SPLM-IO-appointed commissioner of Akobo County, reported that most residents have now left the town due to the evacuation order.

“Citizens are fleeing to Ethiopia because of the order issued by the SSPDF for civilians to leave Akobo town,” he said.

He added that government forces clashed with SPLA-IO reconnaissance units the previous day (March 8) in an area about an hour’s walk from the town but had not yet crossed the river into Akobo proper.

UNMISS peacekeepers have remained at their base despite the order, operating under their Chapter VII mandate to protect civilians and support peace.

Humanitarian organizations, including staff from groups like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), withdrew to Ethiopia, leaving thousands without medical care in the area.

Reports indicate looting in Akobo town following the exodus, and shelling by government forces was heard from the town on Monday afternoon.

Akobo County hosts an estimated 270,000 people—including displaced communities from earlier violence in Uror, Nyirol, and Walgak—more than half of whom are women and children.

The Humanitarian Country Team expressed grave concern, warning that military action in such a densely populated area “would expose civilians to grave danger and risk triggering a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.”

They called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians, humanitarian workers, and infrastructure.

The developments follow intensified fighting in northern Jonglei between SSPDF and SPLA-IO forces, further threatening the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.

Commissioner Lul warned that continued displacement due to war in Jonglei and parts of Equatoria would make elections impossible, calling for inclusive dialogue to restore peace.

This latest escalation has drawn international attention, with calls from various actors—including the Troika envoys and church leaders—for the government to revoke the order, prioritize civilian protection, and pursue negotiations to avert a broader humanitarian catastrophe.