UNMISS reaffirmed that its peacekeepers will remain in Akobo, providing a protective presence for civilians, following orders by the SSPDF to evacuate from the restive area
By Opio Jackson
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) vowed to continue to engage intensively with national, state and local stakeholders following the March 6 announcement by the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) instructing civilians in Akobo town and surrounding villages to relocate ahead of a planned military operation.
The SSPDF also directed UN peacekeepers and humanitarian partners to leave Akobo within 72 hours, raising concerns about the safety of civilians in the area.
Akobo, located in Jonglei State in eastern South Sudan near the Ethiopian border, has experienced repeated tensions and clashes in recent years, making the presence of UN peacekeepers critical for civilian protection.
“Any military operations in and around Akobo gravely endanger the safety and security of civilians,” said Anita Kiki Gbeho, Officer-in-Charge, UNMISS.
“Therefore, we rely on the assurances provided by all parties that they will take every possible measure to protect communities.”
UNMISS reaffirms that its peacekeepers will remain in Akobo, providing a protective presence for civilians.
“The Mission reiterates that the safety and security of its personnel, premises, and assets must be fully respected at all times,” the statement read in part.
Thousands of civilians have reportedly fled an opposition stronghold in Akobo after the army ordered evacuations to clear the way for a military offensive.
The town of Akobo, near the Ethiopian border, was almost completely emptied by Sunday after the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces issued an ultimatum on Friday demanding that civilians, aid workers and United Nations peacekeepers leave ahead of a planned assault.
In a joint statement on Monday, the Troika diplomats, including the United States, United Kingdom and Norway- urged President Salva Kiir to reverse a military order requiring civilians and aid organisations to leave Akobo County ahead of the offensive.
The diplomats expressed “deep concern” over the directive issued by the chief of defence forces of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), warning that a military operation under such conditions could lead to widespread deaths, displacement and suffering in a region that has become a refuge for people fleeing violence fom other areas.
The diplomats said the presence of UNMISS in the area is crucial to fulfilling its United Nations Security Council mandate to protect civilians, and the move could negate the recent assurance by President Kiir to the UN emergency relief coordinator that authorities would allow “unhindered and unfettered humanitarian access.
“We strongly urge that this order be revoked,” the ambassadors noted, urging for dialogue between the peace parties to embrace peace and social cohesion.
Utilities
“The Mission reiterates that the safety and security of its personnel, premises, and assets must be fully respected at all times,” noted a statement from Anita Kiki Gbeho, Officer-in-Charge, UNMISS.