US Ambassador to South Sudan, Michael J. Adler (Courtesy)
Juba, March 9, 2026
Savanna Radio News
Savanna Radio has obtained a communique from Troika envoys, representing the United States, United Kingdom, and Norway, directly appealing to President Salva Kiir Mayardit to immediately reverse a controversial military order evacuating civilians and aid groups from Akobo County in Jonglei State. The joint letter, signed by Norwegian Ambassador Roar Haugsdal, British Ambassador David Ashley, and U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Catherine Connell, warns that the directive risks mass casualties, displacement, and humanitarian catastrophe in a region sheltering 245,000 people, many already displaced by prior violence.
On March 6, South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) Chief of Defence Forces issued the order, mandating UNMISS, humanitarian agencies, and civilians to vacate Akobo within 72 hours ahead of a planned offensive against SPLA-IO forces. The envoys highlighted this contradicts Kiir’s recent pledge to UN relief coordinators for unfettered aid access and clashes with African Union ceasefire calls under the Revitalised Agreement (R-ARCSS). Copies of the letter went to First Vice President Riek Machar, vice presidents, and key ministers including defence, foreign affairs, and humanitarian affairs, with an urgent meeting requested.
Civil society leader Edmund Yakani of CEPO praised the Troika’s intervention as vital for civilian protection amid rising tensions. Akobo’s plight underscores South Sudan’s fragile transition toward December 2026 elections, with church leaders like Juba Archbishop Stephen Ameyu Martin Mulla warning of full-scale war without dialogue. The Troika, historic backers of South Sudan’s 2011 independence, reiterated inclusive talks as the sole path to peace.
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