South Sudan Military Orders Mass Evacuation from Opposition-Held Jonglei Counties Ahead of Imminent Offensive
By: Juba Global News Network | JubaGlobal.com January 27, 2026 In a dramatic escalation of South Sudan’s fragile post-civil war tensions, the South Sudan P
By: Juba Global News Network | JubaGlobal.com
January 27, 2026
In a dramatic escalation of South Sudan’s fragile post-civil war tensions, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) have issued a sweeping 48-hour evacuation order for all civilians, humanitarian workers, and United Nations personnel from three opposition-controlled counties in Jonglei State. The directive, announced on January 25–26, 2026, signals preparations for a major military operation code-named “Operation Enduring Peace” against forces loyal to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO).
The order targets Nyirol, Uror, and Akobo counties—predominantly Lou Nuer areas in northern Jonglei—where the SSPDF stated civilians must “immediately evacuate for safety to government-controlled areas as soon as possible.” All personnel from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were given 48 hours to leave the affected counties. The SSPDF warned that armed civilians near opposition positions would be considered “legitimate military targets” and urged surrender of weapons.
This unprecedented directive follows weeks of intensified clashes in Jonglei, one of South Sudan’s most volatile regions, bordering Ethiopia. The UNMISS and humanitarian partners report that more than 180,000 people have already been displaced by fighting since late December 2025, with figures potentially climbing toward 200,000 or more as the crisis deepens. UN officials have described the violence as the most severe since the 2013–2018 civil war.
Background: Renewed Fighting in Jonglei
Jonglei has long been a flashpoint in South Sudan’s complex ethnic and political conflicts. The current surge pits government forces (SSPDF, loyal to President Salva Kiir) against SPLA-IO fighters aligned with detained First Vice President Riek Machar. Key developments include:
- SPLA-IO forces captured Pajut town earlier in January 2026 after heavy fighting, threatening the state capital Bor.
- Last week, the opposition called for a march on the national capital Juba, marking a significant escalation.
- Reports of indiscriminate airstrikes, including barrel bombs, have forced civilians to flee into swamps and remote areas.
The evacuation order follows inflammatory statements from senior military figures, including a call by a commander to “spare no one”—including children, elderly, and civilians—during operations. UNMISS condemned such rhetoric as “utterly abhorrent” and warned that hate speech risks drawing ethnic communities into widespread violence.
Humanitarian and UN Response
UNMISS confirmed that peacekeepers in Akobo remain in place under their mandate to protect civilians and de-escalate tensions, though the status of personnel in Nyirol and Uror remains unclear. Humanitarian groups, including Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), have begun relocating staff from high-risk areas following the order.
UN officials and aid agencies have raised grave concerns:
- Forced evacuations in active conflict zones often expose civilians to greater danger, especially with limited infrastructure and safe routes to government areas.
- Aid delivery is already severely restricted; the evacuation will further shrink humanitarian space in remote communities facing acute food insecurity and lack of medical access.
- The UN estimates 180,000+ displaced in Jonglei alone, with many women, children, and elderly among the most vulnerable. Additional displacement into neighboring states (e.g., Lakes State) has been reported.
Civil society leaders, including activist Peter Ajak, warn that removing humanitarian presence removes a key deterrent to abuses and could enable ethnic-targeted violence.
Political and Regional Implications
The SSPDF frames the order as a precautionary measure to protect civilians ahead of operations to counter the SPLA-IO offensive. Critics, including the opposition, view it as preparation for indiscriminate attacks and a violation of humanitarian principles.
South Sudan remains deeply fragile despite the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement. The 2013–2018 civil war killed nearly 400,000 and displaced millions. Ongoing ethnic tensions, delayed elections, and economic collapse continue to fuel instability.
Analysts warn that a full-scale offensive in Jonglei could:
- Spread toward Bor and risk drawing in ethnic militias (e.g., White Army mobilization reported).
- Undermine the transitional government and derail peace prospects.
- Trigger a major humanitarian catastrophe in an already aid-dependent nation.
As the 48-hour deadline approaches, international pressure is mounting on South Sudan’s leaders to halt escalation and prioritize civilian protection. UNMISS and global partners have urged de-escalation and unhindered aid access.
With Jonglei’s population already suffering immense harm, the coming days will test whether South Sudan’s fragile peace can survive this latest crisis—or whether the country is sliding back toward widespread conflict.
Juba Global News Network provides comprehensive coverage of South Sudan and regional security. This article is compiled from statements by SSPDF, UNMISS, OCHA, Reuters, Anadolu Agency, Radio Tamazuj, BBC, and other sources as of January 27, 2026.