AKOBO, an opposition stronghold in eastern South Sudan is becoming empty as thousands already flee after the South Sudanese army ordered everyone out including civilians, aid workers, and even UN peacekeepers ahead of a planned military operation.
The evacuation order, issued Friday by the South Sudan People's Defense Forces, gave people until Monday afternoon to leave, making clear that the government is determined to take the town back.
By Sunday, most had already gone, streaming out of town on foot, by car, or whatever means they could find, carrying what little they could save.
The army says the operation is part of "Operation Enduring Peace," a government offensive launched in January. But for the people of Jonglei state, peace has been hard to find. Since December, when opposition forces began capturing government positions, more than 280,000 people have already been displaced.
Akobo, which sits near the Ethiopian border, has long been an opposition stronghold.
The United Nations who is watching with growing concern has again warned that the country's leaders are steering toward disaster and it could lead to a return to full-scale war.
