JUBA — A massive coalition of Civil Society Networks from all 10 States and 3 Administrative Areas has issued a joint emergency statement on Saturday, March 7, 2026. They are appealing directly to President Salva Kiir Mayardit. They urge him to intervene against an imminent military operation in Akobo County, Jonglei State.
The joint press statement follows reports about new military orders. The office of the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) issued these orders on March 6. They aim to extend ongoing military hostilities into Akobo. Civil society groups warn this move could have “devastating” consequences. The population is already reeling from conflict in neighboring counties.
The CDF “Evacuation” Orders
According to the coalition, the military leadership has ordered drastic measures in preparation for the offensive:
UNMISS Closure: An explicit order for the closure of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) facility in Akobo.
Mandatory Relocation: A directive for the mandatory evacuation of all civilians residing in Akobo town and its surrounding areas.
NGO Impact: The move effectively halts the operations of NGOs currently providing life-saving assistance in the region.
A Pattern of Suffering in Northern Jonglei
The appeal highlights that the people of Uror, Ayod, Nyirol, and Duk have already “suffered immensely.” This was during recent confrontations between the SSPDF and SPLA-IO.
Atrocities Cited: The groups noted that hostilities in northern Jonglei have resulted in the “killing and maiming of civilians—majority being children, women, and elderly,” as well as mass recruitment into armed groups.
Genocide Warnings: This regional alarm mirrors a February 18 statement from the Lou Nuer Community Council (LNCC). The council warned about military operations in these counties. These operations are characterized by “Areil” (aerial) bombardments and the destruction of health facilities. Such actions could lead to a “crime of genocide”.
The Humanitarian Crossroads
Akobo has served as a critical place of refuge for those displaced by the fighting in Uror and Nyirol. The civil society coalition argues that pushing the front line into Akobo violates the 2018 R-ARCSS. It will fuel further community polarization along tribal lines.
“Violence is never an acceptable undertaking to settle disputes under any circumstances… [President Kiir must] urgently intervene by putting on hold the order issued by the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) yesterday.” — Joint Civil Society Statement, March 7, 2026.
The Ruweng Precedent
The urgency of the appeal is underscored by the recent “barbaric” attack on Abiemnom County in the Ruweng Administrative Area on March 1, which the government confirmed left 169 people dead, including the County Commissioner. Civil society groups highlight the Abiemnom massacre. They consider it evidence of the “horrible consequences” when military operations and communal tensions intersect.