Hundreds of civilians who recently returned to their homes staged a peaceful demonstration in Akobo town, Jonglei state, on Saturday, May 2, calling on the United Nations to halt plans to close its temporary operating base in the area.
Akobo, near the border with Ethiopia, has seen recent fighting between government forces and opposition fighters that forced residents to flee across the border. Opposition SPLM-IO forces recaptured the town from government troops on April 13.
Protesters said shutting down the base operated by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) would leave civilians vulnerable, including to possible airstrikes, in the densely populated town.
“We have learned that the UNMISS mandate has been extended until April 2027. We want you to stay longer in Akobo,” said Mary Nyathum Kher, chairwoman of the Akobo Women’s Association. “Due to displacement, the community lacks food, water and medicine. We need UNMISS to remain to ensure the safety of humanitarian personnel and the protection of civilians.”
Akobo County Commissioner John Wiyual Lul said the demonstration was peaceful and showed residents’ support for the mission.
“UNMISS has heard your concerns. Today, a meeting is being held about the Akobo crisis,” he said. “It is now clear that civilians in Akobo value and want the presence of UNMISS.”
A UNMISS base commander in Akobo said the mission has played a key role in maintaining stability but is preparing for a withdrawal.
“The U.N. presence in Akobo has been long-standing and has helped the community maintain peace and prevent atrocities,” the commander said. “As we prepare for a safe departure, we will work with you to facilitate the presence of NGOs to provide food, water and medicine.”
Last month, UNMISS said it would close its temporary operating base in Akobo in the coming weeks. The closure, initially planned for December 2025, was delayed due to worsening security conditions, according to Francesca Mold, the mission’s chief of communications and public information.
The United Nations has said a systemwide financial crisis has forced UNMISS to cut its budget by 15% within six months, amounting to an effective reduction of 25% to 30%.
The U.N. Security Council on April 30 extended the mandate of UNMISS until April 30, 2027, while reducing troop levels. The resolution set a troop ceiling of 12,500, down from 17,000, and kept the police ceiling unchanged at 2,101.
The council warned that the situation in South Sudan continues to pose a threat to regional peace.
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