Africa-Press – South-Sudan. South Sudan’s military has ordered civilians to immediately leave areas controlled by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) in the northern parts of Jonglei State, citing security concerns amid escalating fighting.
In a statement issued from the army’s General Headquarters in Juba on Tuesday, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) said civilians should evacuate locations near military barracks, assembly points, and rally sites to avoid being caught up in combat operations.
The directive applies to civilians living in the predominantly Lou Nuer counties of Nyirol, Uror, and Akobo, the statement said.
SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said the measure was intended to protect civilians and prevent their alleged use as human shields during military operations. He added that the evacuation order was aimed at minimizing collateral damage during ongoing and future phases of the fighting.
The announcement drew concern from human rights groups.
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organzation (CEPO), described the evacuation order as “worrying and deeply disturbing,” saying it signals a renewed military approach to resolving political disputes.
“It is sad that the safety and protection of civilians in some parts of the country is no priority of the warring parties because they opted for a military approach to resolving political disputes,” he said.
Yakani called on both the SSPDF and SPLA-IO to halt hostilities and embrace dialogue, involving citizens, national stakeholders, and bodies such as IGAD, the African Union, and the United Nations.
The SSPDF order comes amid growing tensions between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those aligned with opposition leader Riek Machar, threatening the fragile 2018 peace agreement that ended a five-year civil war.
The SSPDF warning follows clashes reported earlier this week in Riang Payam, Nyirol County. On Monday, government forces carried out an airstrike on a market in Lankien town, which is under SPLA-IO control. Several civilians were killed in the airstrike, according to local sources.
Last week, SPLA-IO forces captured Waat, the administrative headquarters of Nyirol County, from government troops. The SSPDF has not commented publicly on the loss of the town.
In recent days, SPLA-IO officials in Jonglei have also warned of a possible advance toward Yuai, the headquarters of Uror County, where SSPDF forces have been stationed since before the signing of the peace deal.
Northern Jonglei has seen a sharp rise in hostilities in recent weeks.
For More News And Analysis About South-Sudan Follow Africa-Press
