In South Sudan, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan has announced its decision not to comply with a governmental directive to shut down its operational base in Akobo, an area that is currently an opposition stronghold located near the Ethiopian border. The announcement came after the South Sudanese army issued an ultimatum on Friday, instructing U.N. peacekeepers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and civilians to evacuate from Akobo prior to a planned military offensive meant to regain control of the town. This order has raised significant concerns due to the high number of refugees and civilians who had already sought shelter in Akobo, with tens of thousands fleeing ongoing conflict in the region. As fighting escalated between the government and opposition forces, a notable surge in violence was observed following the breakdown of a peace deal in late 2024. December 2025 marked a particularly alarming point, as opposition forces successfully captured multiple government positions in northern Jonglei. In a swift reaction to regain control, the government launched a counter-offensive that managed to repel opposition forces within a month and resulted in the displacement of over 280,000 people, compelling many to seek refuge in and around Akobo. The situation in Akobo has thus become increasingly dire, with humanitarian workers recently evacuated due to fears of impending conflict, leading to a mass exodus among civilians in the area. Local authorities report that fleeing civilians are in grave danger and facing severe shortages of essential supplies. Those who remain are at high risk of violence as military operations commence. Dual Diew, the Akobo County health director, emphasized the tragic reality of having 84 wounded patients in their care, lacking necessary medical supplies as many fled the country to seek safety. Doctors Without Borders, a critical humanitarian organization, also indicated that they were forced to withdraw their staff from Akobo on Saturday, reporting that subsequent looting of their medical facilities had taken place, hampering medical assistance for the remaining population. This growing insecurity leaves those who remain with the agonizing choice of fleeing without protective measures or staying behind in a place where their lives are at risk and access to healthcare is increasingly compromised. The U.N. Mission in South Sudan clearly stated that they would provide what they described as a “protective presence” for the civilians in Akobo, making it clear that military operations would further jeopardize the safety of countless innocents. Mission chief Anita Kiki Gbeho insisted that the safety and security of U.N. personnel must be fully respected at all times and that the mission would actively engage with various stakeholders at national, state, and local levels regarding the government’s order. The ongoing conflict in South Sudan highlights the urgent need for more robust international attention and assistance to ensure the protection of civilians and aid workers in the face of escalating violence and humanitarian crises.