UNMISS spokesperson Priyanka Chowdhury told Sudans Post Tuesday that the Mission delayed the closure of its Akobo base due to worsening security conditions, despite what the spokesperson described as “significant resource constraints arising from the UN’s broader liquidity crisis.”
She said the Mission maintained a protective presence in the area while engaging political and community stakeholders “at all levels” to reduce tensions, efforts she said contributed to the return of displaced communities.
“During this period, the Mission maintained a protective presence while conducting intensive political engagement with stakeholders at all levels to reduce tensions,” Chowdhury said, adding that UNMISS also supported humanitarian partners in delivering emergency assistance, including food aid, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services, and health support to “tens of thousands of conflict-affected civilians.”
According to her, peacekeepers have since withdrawn from Akobo, but UNMISS will continue civilian protection efforts through periodic patrols and ongoing dialogue with relevant actors in the area.
On the controversy surrounding the exit, Chowdhury said: “All asset handling was conducted in strict accordance with established UN procedures.”
She further noted that property disposal at mission bases follows “strict regulatory procedures” designed to ensure that equipment left behind in conflict environments cannot be repurposed in ways that could cause harm. She said the withdrawal from Akobo was conducted fully in accordance with those procedures.
The clarification follows public criticism from some Akobo residents who accused the UN mission of destroying assets, including several vehicles, out of alleged ill intent during its departure.
Among those raising concerns was Pal Mai Deng, spokesperson of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), who said he had authorised the use of the land for UNMISS operations in good faith, expecting the mission to deliver protection and services to civilians.
“It was in good faith that I ordered the evacuation of the settlers on this piece of land for UNMISS to camp here, with hope that the Mission was meant to truly deliver services and protection for the civilians in Akobo,” he said.
However, he added that the manner of the withdrawal had “revealed the Mission’s true intention and inner feeling for the people of Akobo,” while also stating that the area would be rehabilitated.
