Top diplomats from the Troika countries — the United States, United Kingdom and Norway — on Monday urged President Salva Kiir to reverse a military order requiring civilians and aid organisations to leave Akobo County ahead of a planned offensive.
In a joint letter addressed to Kiir, the diplomats expressed “deep concern” over a March 6 directive issued by the chief of defence forces of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF). The order gave the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), humanitarian agencies and civilians 72 hours to vacate the area.
The envoys warned that a military operation under such conditions could lead to widespread deaths, displacement and suffering in a region that has become a refuge for people fleeing violence elsewhere.
Akobo County is home to an estimated 245,000 people, including thousands already displaced from other parts of Jonglei State. The diplomats said the presence of UNMISS in the area is crucial to fulfilling its United Nations Security Council mandate to protect civilians.
The Troika also said the SSPDF order appeared to contradict recent commitments by the South Sudanese government. They noted that only weeks earlier, Kiir had assured the UN’s emergency relief coordinator that authorities would allow “unhindered and unfettered humanitarian access”.
The letter further referenced calls by the African Union for an immediate ceasefire and inclusive dialogue to advance implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
“We strongly urge that this order be revoked,” the ambassadors wrote, adding that inclusive dialogue remains the only path to lasting peace.
The letter was signed by Norwegian Ambassador Roar Haugsdal, British Ambassador David Ashley and U.S. chargé d’affaires Catherine Connell. Copies were also sent to the first vice president, the four vice presidents and several ministers, including the ministers of defence, foreign affairs and humanitarian affairs.
The diplomats said they had requested an urgent meeting with Kiir to discuss the escalating situation.
The three Western nations have long played a key diplomatic role in South Sudan, including supporting the country’s independence in 2011 and backing peace efforts. The three countries are also major providers of humanitarian and development assistance to the world’s youngest nation.
Meanwhile, Edmund Yakani, executive director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), strongly welcomed the Troika’s stance on the current security developments affecting the safety and protection of civilians in Akobo County.
Yakani said the Troika’s position on the SSPDF order for humanitarian agencies and UNMISS to leave the county — amid the likelihood of a military confrontation between the SSPDF and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) — was an important response to concerns raised by civil society and human rights groups.
“The military approach to resolving political disputes is dangerous and exposes the civilian population to grave human rights violations,” Yakani said.
Ateny Wek Ateny, the information minister and government spokesperson, could not immediately be reached for comment.