County commissioner warned that organizations that fail to comply with the directive within the stipulated time frame would be held accountable for the absence of their operations in the county.

By Riak Chol

The Ayod County authorities in Jonglei State on Friday issued a directive ordering all non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Ayod County and Ayod town to report back to the county headquarters within 48 hours, citing improved security conditions in the area.

In an official letter dated January 24, 2026,  Ayod County Commissioner, James Chuol Jiek, the county government instructed humanitarian organizations that had previously relocated their bases to immediately return and resume operations.

According to the letter, the county administration said the security situation in Ayod town has “become very safe and calm like usual,” prompting the urgent call for NGOs to re-establish their presence at the county headquarters without delay.

“The government of Ayod County officially issued this urgent call to all NGOs whose bases are in the county headquarters to report within the above-mentioned hours without delay,” said Chuol.

The commissioner warned that organizations that fail to comply with the directive within the stipulated time frame would be held accountable for the absence of their operations in the county.

“Anyone who will fail to report his or her base to the county headquarters will be answerable for the absence of his or her NGO,” Said Chuol

He further noted that the directive follows reports that several NGOs left Ayod town without prior notification or coordination with the county government, a move the authorities say was done without official authorization.

Ayod County has been affected by repeated insecurity in recent months, leading to the temporary suspension or relocation of humanitarian operations. Aid agencies play a critical role in delivering lifesaving assistance, including food aid, health services, and protection support to vulnerable communities.

As of publication, it remains unclear how humanitarian organizations will respond to the directive, with some agencies typically requiring security assessments and internal clearance before redeploying staff to previously volatile areas.

Ayod County has in recent weeks witnessed renewed military tensions between government forces and opposition fighters, raising concerns over civilian safety and the continuity of humanitarian operations.

On Sunday morning, heavy fighting broke out north of Ayod town following a military offensive launched at dawn by a joint force of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) 10th Infantry Division and a specialized National Security Service (NSS) unit.

Utilities

“Anyone who will fail to report his or her base to the county headquarters will be answerable for the absence of his or her NGO,” Said James Chuol Jiek, Ayod County Commissioner.