Full Breakdown
UN Peacekeepers Defy South Sudan Military's Order to Leave Akobo
3/10/2026, 10:20:23 PM
Background & Context: Ongoing Conflict in South Sudan
The conflict in South Sudan has escalated since the breakdown of a peace deal in 2022, leading to significant violence and displacement. In December 2025, opposition forces seized several government outposts in northern Jonglei, prompting a counter-offensive from the South Sudanese government that displaced over 280,000 people. Akobo, a town near the Ethiopian border, has become a refuge for many fleeing violence, housing tens of thousands of displaced individuals.
Core Event: UNMISS Stays Amid Military Order
On March 10, 2026, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) announced it would not comply with a military order from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) to close its base in Akobo. The SSPDF had issued a directive for UNMISS to vacate the area within 72 hours, citing plans for military operations against the opposition Sudan People's Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO). UNMISS stated it is engaging with various stakeholders regarding the order, emphasizing the need to protect its personnel and the local population.
Official Statements & Responses
South Sudan's Information Minister, Ateny Wek Ateny, defended the military's order, claiming it followed prior coordination with UNMISS. He stated that the directive was not a threat but a reminder of an earlier understanding that UNMISS would eventually withdraw from Akobo. However, international observers, including the U.S., U.K., and Norway, expressed concern, warning that the military operation could lead to further displacement and suffering among the South Sudanese people.
Criticism & Opposition: Humanitarian Concerns
Humanitarian organizations, including Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), have raised alarms about the implications of the military's order. MSF reported that its staff had to evacuate Akobo, resulting in the looting of medical supplies and leaving the local population without essential healthcare services. Christophe Garnier, MSF's Head of Mission in South Sudan, highlighted the dire consequences of repeated evacuations, stating, “Families are being forced to abandon their homes repeatedly, with no safe alternatives.”
On-the-Ground Reports: Displacement and Fear
Local officials, including John Wiyual Lul, the SPLM-IO-appointed commissioner of Akobo County, reported a mass exodus of residents into Ethiopia due to fears of a government offensive. Many humanitarian organizations have also withdrawn their staff, exacerbating the already critical situation for those remaining in Akobo. The town, now under government control, is home to approximately 245,000 people, many of whom are already displaced from other regions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the South Sudanese government claims the military order was a follow-up to prior communications with UNMISS, critics argue it contradicts recent commitments to allow humanitarian access. The situation remains fluid, with reports of ongoing violence and humanitarian needs escalating as the military prepares for operations in the region.
What's Next: Continued Tensions and Humanitarian Needs
The situation in Akobo remains precarious, with UNMISS continuing its presence despite the military's order. The international community is closely monitoring developments, urging the South Sudanese government to reconsider its military actions to prevent further humanitarian crises. The potential for increased violence and displacement looms as the military operations are set to commence, raising urgent concerns for the safety and well-being of the local population.
