BREAKING NEWS: Thousands Flee Akobo as Civilians Cross River into Ethiopia After Evacuation Order
Akobo County, Jonglei State - Monday, March 9, 2026:
Thousands of civilians, mostly women and children, are fleeing Akobo County and crossing the Akobo River into neighboring Ethiopia following a 72-hour evacuation order reportedly issued by the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).
The banks of the Akobo River have become a scene of a growing humanitarian crisis as desperate families rush to leave the area amid fears of possible military action. Residents from Akobo Town, along with internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Uror and Nyirol counties, are reportedly moving in large numbers toward the Ethiopian border in search of safety. Many families are leaving their homes with only a few belongings and no clear destination. Eyewitnesses describe the situation as “grave and dire,” with vulnerable civilians, especially women and children, struggling to cross the river while abandoning their homes and livelihoods. The mass movement has raised serious humanitarian concerns as thousands of displaced people face uncertainty, with limited access to food, shelter, and medical assistance. 📷 Courtesy