Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

Monday, 09 March 2026, Juba, South Sudan

RJMEC EXPRESSES DEEP CONCERN OVER SSPDF DIRECTIVE IN AKOBO COUNTY, CALLS FOR RESTRAINT

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) expresses deep concern following the 6 March 2026 directive issued by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) instructing the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), UN agencies, and civilians to vacate Akobo County, Jonglei State within 72 hours, ahead of a planned military operation.

RJMEC notes that the announced military operation, if implemented, risks heightening tensions, and could potentially lead to unwarranted loss of lives, large-scale displacement of civilians and severe disruption to the critical humanitarian access in the area.

Furthermore, it undermines the provisions of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), including the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) and the Permanent Ceasefire.

The Commission calls upon the SSPDF to exercise maximum restraint and urges RTGoNU to address security concerns through the mechanisms established under the R-ARCSS, rather than through military action.

RJMEC underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and security of civilians, humanitarian personnel, and the United Nations agency staff. In order for humanitarian actors to continue providing life-saving assistance to the populations in need, they need to operate freely and without obstruction.

The Commission reiterates that full implementation of the R-ARCSS remains the pathway for durable peace and stability in the Republic of South Sudan and calls upon all parties and stakeholders to recommit to the spirit and provisions of the Agreement, urgently de-escalate tensions, cease hostilities and engage in an incusive dialogue to address the current political and security challenges facing the country.

ENDS