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CEPO Raises Alarm Over SSPDF Directive to UNMISS and Humanitarian Agencies to Leave Akobo

Juba, South Sudan — Mr. Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), has expressed serious concern over reports that the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) issued a directive ordering the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and other UN and humanitarian NGOs to leave Akobo County within 72 hours.

Yakani described the directive as disturbing and warned that it threatens the principles of civilian protection and safety under both national and international legal frameworks.

According to CEPO, UNMISS operates primarily to protect civilians at risk. The UNMISS base in Akobo — a Temporary Operating Base (TOB) — was established under the mission’s mandate in accordance with Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, with a specific focus on protecting civilians and supporting peace.

Yakani cautioned that it would be a serious setback for the international community if UNMISS were forced to withdraw from Akobo, as this could place the civilian population at significant risk of grave human rights violations.

CEPO is also urging the conflicting parties in South Sudan to honor the recent declaration issued by the African Union Peace and Security Council C-5 Committee on the country’s transitional process. Yakani said the recent military confrontations that occurred after the declaration issued on February 15, 2026, amount to “a slap in the face” of the AU C-5 Plus actors working to support peace and stability in the country.

Furthermore, CEPO reported receiving multiple phone calls from civilians in Akobo who fear that the SSPDF order may signal an impending military operation in the area. Residents are pleading with both the SSPDF and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army–In Opposition (SPLA-IO) to stop the fighting and allow the ceasefire to hold.

Yakani stressed that resolving political disputes through military confrontation demonstrates irresponsible public governance. He warned that military solutions to political crises pose serious threats to the protection of civilians.

“Undermining civilian protection is a clear indicator of potential grave human rights violations,” Yakani said, urging all conflicting parties in South Sudan to prioritize the safety and protection of civilians.