South Sudan Army Orders Evacuation From Opposition-Held Areas Ahead of Offensive
ISTANBUL | 25 January 2026 (Updated 26 January 2026)
South Sudan’s army has ordered the immediate evacuation of civilians, humanitarian groups, and United Nations personnel from opposition-controlled areas of Jonglei State, citing preparations for a large-scale military operation.
In a video statement released on Sunday, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, spokesperson for the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), instructed all non-governmental organisations and UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) staff working in Nyirol, Uror, and Akobo counties to leave within 48 hours.
Koang said the military plans to launch “Operation Enduring Peace” against the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO). He urged civilians to move immediately to government-controlled areas to avoid harm during the operation.
Warning Issued to Armed Civilians
The SSPDF spokesperson warned that armed civilians found near SPLA-IO bases, assembly points, or rally areas would be treated as legitimate military targets.
He added that civilians carrying weapons—including those not affiliated with the White Army militia—must surrender their arms at the nearest SSPDF base. Authorities also instructed them to relocate with their families and livestock to government-held territories.
UN Raises Alarm Over Civilian Safety
Earlier on Sunday, UNMISS expressed serious concern following reports that a senior military figure had encouraged troops to attack civilians in Jonglei State.
The UN mission also reported that more than 180,000 people have been displaced due to escalating clashes between rival factions linked to the 2018 peace agreement.
Conflict Roots and Political Tensions
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, becoming the world’s youngest nation. However, conflict erupted in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir Mayardit dismissed then-Vice President Riek Machar, accusing him of plotting a coup.
Although peace agreements were signed in 2018 and 2022, violence has continued in several regions.
In February last year, the White Army militia, largely composed of fighters from Machar’s Nuer ethnic group, captured a town in Upper Nile State. Following the incident, authorities detained several generals and government officials linked to Machar’s SPLM-IO.
Machar and other detained figures now face serious charges, including murder, treason, crimes against humanity, conspiracy, financing terrorism, destruction of public and military property, and incitement of violence in Nasir County.
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