Thousands of civilians have fled the town of Akobo in eastern South Sudan after the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces ordered people to evacuate before a planned military attack. Many residents, including women, children, and elderly people, crossed the border into Ethiopia to escape the fighting. The town had been a shelter for more than 82,000 displaced people and is a stronghold of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition, which is loyal to former vice president Riek Machar. The government launched a counteroffensive called Operation Enduring Peace earlier this year after opposition forces captured several positions. The conflict threatens the fragile peace agreement signed in 2018 between supporters of President Salva Kiir and Machar. Meanwhile, violence continues in other areas, including a deadly attack in Abiemnom county that killed many civilians. The United Nations has warned that the country may return to full-scale civil war if leaders fail to address the growing crisis and protect civilians across the country.

Pray for divine guidance in leadership in South Sudan. Pray for the Holy Spirit of GOD to fill their hearts with a desire for justice, peace, and the welfare of the people, not personal gain. Pray for peace and stability in the country (The Holy Bible, Isaiah 1:17).

Pray for divine protection upon all the displaced South Sudanese people. Pray for the Holy Spirit of GOD to remove anxiety and fear, and to bless them with divine peace and safety. (The Holy Bible, Psalm 23:1-2).

News Source: Aljazeera

Image Source: Canva