JUBA — South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has ordered civilians, humanitarian organizations and UN personnel to vacate areas under the control of the SPLA-IO in parts of Upper Nile and Jonglei states, ahead of what it described as an imminent military operation.
In a press release dated January 25, 2026, the SSPDF said the directive follows the planned launch of an operation dubbed “Operation Enduring Peace”, targeting SPLA-IO positions in Nyiror, Uror and Akobo counties.
A statement issued by SSPDF Director of Media and Press, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai, said all civilians living in SPLA-IO-controlled areas of the three counties have been instructed to immediately evacuate to government-controlled locations “for safety reasons.”
The army further ordered armed civilians who are not willing to fight government forces to surrender their weapons to the nearest SSPDF garrison without delay.
“Youth who are not part and parcel of the White Army should move their families and livestock to the nearest government-controlled areas,” the statement said, referring to armed community groups often associated with fighting in the region.
In one of the strongest warnings, the SSPDF said any armed civilians found loitering in or around SPLA-IO barracks, assembly points or rally grounds would be considered “legitimate military targets.”
The statement also directed all non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and personnel of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) operating in Nyiror, Uror and Akobo counties to leave the areas within 48 hours.
The SSPDF did not specify how the evacuation of civilians and humanitarian workers would be facilitated, nor did it comment on possible humanitarian consequences of the order.
The press release was signed by Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, SSPDF Director for Media and Press and the army’s official spokesperson.
The SPLA-IO had not issued an immediate response to the statement at the time of publication.
The development comes amid renewed tensions and sporadic clashes in parts of Jonglei, raising concerns among humanitarian agencies about civilian safety and access to aid in conflict-affected areas.