Representational file picture.
| Photograph Credit score: AFP
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan mentioned on Monday (March 9, 2026) that it might not adjust to a authorities order to close down its base in Akobo, an opposition stronghold close to the Ethiopian border the place tens of 1000’s of refugees have fled.
On Friday (March 6, 2026), the South Sudanese Military ordered U.N. peacekeepers, in addition to NGOs and civilians, to vacate the city forward of a deliberate assault.
However the mission refused to go away and mentioned it might present “a protecting presence for civilians” within the city, including that the protection and safety of its personnel “have to be absolutely revered always.” The UN Mission mentioned it was participating “intensively with nationwide, state and native stakeholders” relating to this order. “Any navy operations in and round Akobo gravely endanger the protection and safety of civilians,” mentioned mission chief Anita Kiki Gbeho.
The South Sudanese authorities has been combating opposition forces since a 2018 peace deal broke down a couple of 12 months in the past.
A dramatic escalation passed off in December 2025, when opposition forces seized a number of authorities outposts in northern Jonglei. A authorities counter-offensive repelled their forces a month later and displaced over 280,000 individuals. Tens of 1000’s have sought refuge in Akobo, the place a small contingent of UN peacekeepers is stationed.
Fearing the looming authorities assault on Akobo, humanitarian employees had been evacuated over the weekend, and a mass exodus of the inhabitants has additionally begun.
Native officers contacted by The Related Press mentioned fleeing civilians confronted hazard and widespread shortages of important provides. Twin Diew, the Akobo County well being director, who has fled to Ethiopia, mentioned there have been 84 wounded sufferers on the hospital. “We’ve got most of them with us right here now,” he mentioned, including that they lack medication and primary nursing gear.
Christophe Garnier, the chief of Medical doctors With out Borders in South Sudan, mentioned the organisation needed to evacuate its employees from Akobo on Saturday and discovered of the following looting of its hospital and the ransacking of its workplace.
“Folks in Akobo should now both flee with out safety or stay susceptible to being killed, whereas shedding entry to healthcare and different important companies,” he mentioned.
The three Western governments which have performed a significant position within the peace course of — the U.S., U.Ok., and Norway — despatched a letter to President Kiir on Monday (march , urging that the military’s evacuation order be revoked and warning of “additional deaths, displacement and struggling for the South Sudanese individuals” if the offensive on Akobo is carried out.
Revealed – March 10, 2026 04:37 pm IST