UN peacekeepers hold position in Akobo despite evacuation order
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has announced that its peacekeepers will remain in Akobo to continue protecting civilians despite an evacuation directive issued by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) ahead of planned military operations in the area. In a press release issued on March 9 from Juba, the mission said […]
Akobo in fear as civil society condemns SSPDF order targeting UNMISS base
Residents of Akobo County in Jonglei State are reportedly gripped by fear following an order by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) directing the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), humanitarian agencies, and civilians to vacate the area within 72 hours. Civil society activists say the directive has heightened anxiety among local communities […]
SSPDF orders UNMISS, NGOs, civilians out of Akobo within 72 hours
The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has ordered UNMISS personnel, humanitarian organizations, and civilians in Akobo to vacate the town and surrounding areas within 72 hours, following the next phase of military operations in the region. According to a press release issued by Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, the Director for Media & Press […]
Troika demands justice as SSPDF linked to Pankor massacre
A coalition of international diplomats, including representatives from the European Union, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States, has strongly condemned the recent massacre of civilians in Pankor Village, Ayod County. The diplomats stated that the attack was reportedly carried out by forces linked to the South […]
SSPDF Gen. suggests leaders’ retreat, inclusive dialogue for lasting peace
A senior general of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces has called on political leaders to hold a retreat and engage in inclusive dialogue, warning that lasting peace in South Sudan depends on cooperation, reconciliation, and dialogue ahead of elections. Lt. Gen. Ashhab Khamis Fatal, a senior general of the SSPDF and Assistant Chief of […]
WFP seeks safe access to deliver aid in Jonglei
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has called on all parties to the conflict in South Sudan to urgently halt military operations and allow safe humanitarian access to enable the delivery of life-saving food assistance to hundreds of thousands of people in Jonglei State. WFP warned that escalating insecurity in the region threatens to […]
EU ambassador tells South Sudan leaders to end fighting
The European Union has expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of violence in South Sudan and called on national leaders to halt hostilities and return to dialogue to fully implement the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement. Ambassador Pelle Enarsson, Head of the EU Delegation to South Sudan, made the remarks on Wednesday during a federalism […]
South Sudan gov’t throws Gen. Olony under the political bus
South Sudan’s government has publicly distanced itself from one of its senior generals following inflammatory remarks in which he allegedly ordered his forces to spare no life or property during military operations against opposition fighters in northern Jonglei State. In a press briefing held in Juba on January 27, government spokesperson Ateny Wek Ateny said […]
UN warns senior leaders could be held liable for Jonglei violence
The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has warned that senior political and military leaders could face individual criminal responsibility for violence in Jonglei State. In a statement issued on January 25, the Commission expressed grave alarm at public remarks by senior military figures that encourage violence against civilians, combined with reports […]
UNMISS condemns Olony’s orders as civilians bear brunt of Jonglei fighting
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has strongly condemned reported orders attributed to military commander Gen. Johnson Olony, warning that inflammatory rhetoric urging indiscriminate violence is placing civilians at extreme risk amid escalating conflict in Jonglei State. In a statement, UNMISS said it is gravely concerned by reports that a senior military leader […]
