South Sudan: Thousands Flee Akobo Amidst Military Operation

JUBA, South Sudan — Thousands of civilians have fled the town of Akobo in eastern South Sudan following an evacuation order issued by the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), paving the way for a military operation against opposition forces. The exodus began Saturday night, with residents seeking refuge in neighboring Ethiopia.

Rapid Exodus and Empty Town

According to Nhial Lew, a local official in charge of humanitarian affairs, Akobo is now almost deserted. “The town is now almost empty,” Lew stated. “Women, children and the elderly have left and crossed into Ethiopia.”

Fighting and UN Base Closure

While the government’s evacuation deadline was set for Monday afternoon, reports of fighting west of Akobo surfaced as early as Saturday. “We are hearing the sound of approaching machine guns,” Lew warned on Sunday evening according to the Associated Press.

The SSPDF ordered the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to close its base in Akobo on Friday. Both non-governmental organizations and civilians were instructed to evacuate to avoid potential “unnecessary collateral damage” as the government prepares a military assault targeting “Akobo and surrounding areas,” as reported by the Associated Press via thestar.com.

Strategic Importance of Akobo

Akobo represents one of the last strongholds of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO), led by Riek Machar, South Sudan’s vice president. The current escalation threatens the fragile 2018 peace deal between Machar and President Salva Kiir, which has been strained since fighting resumed last year.

Humanitarian Concerns and Displacement

Fighting in Jonglei state has intensified since December, when opposition forces captured government outposts. A subsequent government counteroffensive displaced over 280,000 people in a matter of weeks. Akobo, previously considered a relatively safe haven due to the presence of UN peacekeepers, had sheltered more than 82,000 displaced people.

Evacuation Efforts and Health Concerns

Two UN flights evacuated most humanitarian workers on Sunday. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) continues to operate a surgical unit at Akobo County Hospital, treating wounded individuals and had not yet evacuated its staff as of Sunday. Local health authorities expressed concerns about the safety of patients. “We are worried about our patients in the hospital,” said Dual Diew, Akobo County Health Director. “We tried to make a plan to gain them to a safer place, but we don’t have enough fuel.”

Prior to the evacuation order, civilians in Akobo protested the army’s ultimatum, marching towards the UN base to call for peace and protection.