Arabic version: قوات حفظ السلام التابعة للأمم المتحدة تبقى في جنوب السودان على الرغم من أمر الإخلاء العسكري

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has announced it will maintain its peacekeeping presence in the town of Akobo, despite a military order for the force to vacate. This decision comes in light of a planned offensive by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), which has prompted fears of escalating violence in the region.

According to Al Jazeera, the SSPDF ordered civilians to leave Akobo and surrounding villages ahead of the offensive, while also demanding that UN peacekeepers exit the area within 72 hours. In response, UNMISS emphasized its commitment to safeguarding civilians and asserted that its personnel would remain in place.

UNMISS expressed concern that any military actions in and around Akobo could severely jeopardize the safety and security of local populations. The peacekeeping mission reiterated the necessity for its personnel, installations, and assets to be respected at all times.

The situation in South Sudan remains precarious, with rising violence between government forces and opposition groups raising alarms about a potential return to full-scale civil war. The conflict has already led to significant humanitarian challenges in the nation, which has struggled with instability since its independence in 2011.