By Lodu William Odiya
The South Sudan People’s Defense forces (SSPDF) has ordered civilians to vacate Nyirol, Uror and Akobo County, areas controlled by Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO).
In a press statement issued by Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, Director for media, press and spokesperson of the SSPDF, civilians were directed to leave the areas immediately.
“With imminent of “Operation enduring peace” all civil population in SPLA-IO controlled areas of Nyirol, Uror and Akobo are directed to immediately evacuate for the safety to government-controlled areas as soon as possible” Lul stated.
He added that armed civilians not interested in fighting with government forces must immediately handover their riffles to the nearest SSPDF’s garrison without further unnecessary delays.
“Youth are not part and parcel of the white army should move their families and livestock to the nearest government-controlled areas.
Lul further warned that any civilian found loitering in and around SPLA-IO barracks, assembly areas and rally grounds would be considered as legitimate military targets.
He also gave a forty hours ultimatum for all the non-governmental organizations and UNMISS personnels operating and working in Nyirol, Uror and Akobo counties to leave the areas.
Meanwhile, a statement that was issued by South Sudan UN human right commission underscored that the current escalation is not isolated incident, but part of a wider political breakdown driven by sustained violations of the peace agreement.
They emphasized that the conflict in South Sudan signals the erosion of command discipline in an already volatile and ethically fractured environment.