South Sudan’s army on Friday demanded the United Nations and NGOs immediately leave opposition-held Akobo town ahead of planned offensive operations.
The conflict-ridden country has seen escalating clashes between government and opposition forces, with much of the violence concentrated in eastern Jonglei state.
Since December, fighting has displaced at least 280,000 residents, the United Nations reported, creating urgent humanitarian and security concerns.
Akobo hosts around 100 UN peacekeepers and a hospital overwhelmed by wounded civilians, supported by NGOs including the International Committee of the Red Cross.
SSPDF spokesperson Lul Ruai Koang said the town and nearby areas were “the next targets for offensive military operations.”
The army ordered UNMISS forces to withdraw from Akobo’s base within 72 hours, directing UN agencies, NGOs, and staff to leave immediately.
Civilians were urged to relocate to government-controlled areas or other locations deemed safer, the spokesperson said, to prevent unnecessary collateral damage.
UNMISS spokesperson Priyanka Chowdhury confirmed the order was noted and that the UN was seeking clarification from authorities on the directive.
In January, the army issued a similar withdrawal order in other parts of Jonglei during clashes with forces allied to the SPLA-IO opposition.
The unrest involves factions loyal to Vice-President Riek Machar and President Salva Kiir, raising concern among international observers about widening violence.
The UN has also expressed alarm over northern Abiemnom in Ruweng, where nearly 1,000 people sought refuge near UN peacekeepers amid intensifying hostilities.
