Members of the international community have urged South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir, to intervene and halt a planned military offensive in Akoba County in Jonglei State.
In a joint statement issued on Monday, Western diplomats called on President Kiir to use his authority to revoke an order issued by the Chief of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF). The order reportedly instructed United Nations peacekeepers and civilians in Akoba to evacuate the area within 72 hours ahead of a planned military operation by government forces.
The appeal comes shortly after President Kiir met with the UN’s chief humanitarian official at the State House last week, where he pledged support for vulnerable communities, particularly women and children suffering from the ongoing humanitarian crisis in northern Jonglei.
Diplomats expressed deep concern that the proposed military action, reportedly targeting the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), could further destabilise the region. Akoba County is believed to be one of the last strongholds of the opposition group in the area.
Ambassadors warned that an attack on Akoba could escalate violence, endanger civilians, and worsen an already dire humanitarian situation. United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) forces are currently supporting a large population of internally displaced people in the county. Many of these individuals fled violence in nearby areas including Lankien, Uror, and Walgak and have sought refuge in Akoba.
According to humanitarian estimates cited by the diplomats, more than 245,000 people are currently living in Akoba County, making any military operation there particularly dangerous for civilians.
South Sudan has faced renewed tensions and conflict this year following delays in implementing the 2018 peace agreement, which was intended to end years of civil war. The agreement led to the formation of a transitional government of national unity in 2020 and allowed opposition leader Riek Machar to return to the country after years in exile following the outbreak of conflict in 2013.
However, progress in implementing the peace deal has remained slow, raising concerns about the country’s stability.
The international community warned that the military order threatening Akoba must be revoked to prevent further loss of life. Diplomats reiterated their commitment to supporting peace efforts in South Sudan and urged all parties to prioritise dialogue and the protection of civilians.
