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 The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has closed its temporary operating base in Akobo, Jonglei State, saying the withdrawal followed months of efforts to stabilize the security situation and was conducted in line with United Nations procedures.

In a statement, UNMISS said it had delayed the closure of the base despite financial constraints linked to the UN’s broader liquidity crisis due to worsening security conditions in the area.

“Despite significant resource constraints arising from the United Nations broader liquidity crisis, UNMISS deferred the closure of our Akobo base in direct response to deteriorating security conditions on the ground,” the mission said.

UNMISS said its peacekeepers maintained a protective presence while engaging with national, state and local stakeholders to reduce tensions, efforts that contributed to improved conditions for civilians.

“During this period, the mission maintained a protective presence while conducting intensive political engagements with stakeholders at all levels to reduce tensions,” the statement added. “These efforts ultimately enabled displaced communities to begin returning to the area.”

The mission also said it supported humanitarian partners in delivering emergency assistance, including food, healthcare, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services to tens of thousands of conflict-affected civilians. Peacekeepers also provided security to facilitate safe aid delivery.

“Throughout this time, our peacekeepers have facilitated humanitarian partners in scaling up emergency assistance… to tens of thousands of conflict-affected civilians, while providing force protection to ensure the safe delivery of aid to those who need it the most,” UNMISS said.

Although the temporary operating base in Akobo has now been closed, UNMISS said it will continue civilian protection through patrols and sustained engagement with communities and authorities.

The mission also responded to concerns circulating on social media regarding the disposal of equipment from the base.

“We are aware of community concerns in terms of the disposal of assets from our Akobo base,” UNMISS said. “All asset handling was conducted in strict accordance with established UN procedures.”

UNMISS added that its withdrawal was conducted in full compliance with United Nations regulations designed to ensure that equipment is not misused in conflict-affected areas.