South Sudan Army Orders Mass Evacuation as Clashes Reach Worst Levels Since 2017

South Sudan’s military has ordered civilians, United Nations personnel, and humanitarian workers to evacuate three counties in Jonglei State as it prepares for a major operation against opposition forces.

In a statement issued Sunday, the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) said an operation dubbed “Operation Enduring Peace” was imminent, directing residents of Nyirol, Uror, and Akobo counties to immediately relocate to government-controlled areas for their safety.

All staff from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and non-governmental organizations were instructed to leave the affected counties within 48 hours.

The move comes amid escalating clashes that the United Nations says have reached a scale not seen since 2017. Some of the heaviest fighting has occurred in Jonglei, in eastern South Sudan near the Ethiopian border, where government forces are attempting to stop an advance by fighters loyal to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO).

A UNMISS spokesperson told Reuters that peacekeepers in Akobo remained in place and were working to de-escalate tensions and prevent further violence, though it was unclear whether UN staff were still present in the other two counties.

Tensions rose further last week after SPLA-IO called on its forces to march on the capital, Juba, signaling a significant escalation in the conflict. Earlier this month, SPLA-IO fighters captured the town of Pajut following intense fighting, raising fears that the state capital Bor could be threatened.

UNMISS said on Sunday that at least 180,000 people have already been displaced in Jonglei due to the violence, urging South Sudan’s leaders to halt the fighting and prioritize the welfare of civilians.

Medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) confirmed it had evacuated key staff from Akobo after receiving clear instructions from authorities amid worsening security conditions.

SPLA-IO, led by Vice President Riek Machar, previously fought government forces during South Sudan’s 2013–2018 civil war, a conflict marked by ethnic violence that claimed an estimated 400,000 lives. Although a 2018 peace deal reduced large-scale fighting, sporadic clashes have continued across the country.