Archive · 26 Jan 2026
South Sudan Orders Evacuation Ahead of Military Operation
South Sudan's military has told everyone in three counties in Jonglei State to leave quickly.
They want civilians and workers from the United Nations and other charities to go to safe areas.
This is because the military is planning a big operation against opposition forces.
The United Nations says many people have already left their homes because of the fighting.
A medical charity also left some of its workers because it's not safe.
The fighting has been very bad, and the military and the opposition used to fight a big war that killed many people.
They made peace in 2018, but there are still small fights.
South Sudan's military ordered civilians and UN personnel to evacuate three counties in Jonglei State ahead of an imminent operation.
The operation, code-named 'Operation Enduring Peace,' targets opposition forces in Nyirol, Uror, and Akobo counties.
UNMISS stated that 180,000 people in the state have already been displaced by the conflict.
Médecins Sans Frontières evacuated key staff from Akobo county due to deteriorating security.
SPLA-IO forces, led by Vice President Riek Machar, previously fought the military in a civil war from 2013-2018.
- Who
- South Sudan's military (SSPDF) and opposition forces (SPLA-IO)
- What
- Evacuation order for civilians and UN personnel ahead of a military operation
- When
- Imminent, with a 48-hour evacuation deadline
- Where
- Nyirol, Uror, and Akobo counties in Jonglei State, South Sudan
- Why
- To conduct an operation against opposition forces and ensure safety
- Location
- Jonglei State, South Sudan
- Affected Counties
- Nyirol, Uror, Akobo
- Operation Name
- Operation Enduring Peace
- Displaced People
- 180,000
- UN Mission
- UNMISS
- Opposition Forces
- SPLA-IO
- Evacuation Deadline
- 48 hours