Africa-Press. South Sudan’s army has announced a 48-hour deadline for civilians and personnel from humanitarian organizations and the United Nations to evacuate areas held by armed opposition forces in Jonglei State, ahead of a large-scale military operation.
In a recorded statement, army spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang said that all NGO staff and UN personnel must leave Nyirol, Uror, and Akobo counties, adding that civilians must immediately move to government-controlled areas “for their own safety” as the army prepares to launch an operation named “Permanent Peace” against SPLM-IO forces. Koang warned that any armed civilians found near opposition camps or assembly points would be treated as “legitimate military targets,” urging residents to hand over weapons to the army and relocate with their families and livestock to government areas.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) expressed concern over reports that military commanders had encouraged troops to attack civilians in Jonglei State, noting that more than 180,000 people have already been displaced due to renewed fighting between signatories to the 2018 peace agreement.
Conflict background
South Sudan is the world’s youngest country, having seceded from Sudan in 2011 following a referendum. However, it quickly descended into civil war in December 2013 after a dispute between President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his then–vice president Riek Machar, whom Kiir accused of attempting a coup.
Despite peace agreements in 2018 and 2022, the country continues to struggle with political and security instability. In February, the “White Army” militia — composed mainly of Nuer youths loyal to Machar — seized a town in Upper Nile State, prompting authorities to arrest several generals and ministers linked to the opposition.
Machar and a number of detained opposition leaders face serious charges, including murder, treason, and crimes against humanity, as well as allegations of conspiracy, financing “terrorist” activities, destruction of public and military assets, and incitement to violence in Nasir County.
According to observers, developments in Jonglei highlight the fragility of South Sudan’s political and security landscape, where ethnic tensions and political rivalries intersect with a worsening humanitarian crisis amid fears that an impending military operation could trigger further displacement and worsen civilian suffering.
