SPLA-IO confirms renewed clashes as SSPDF enters Akobo town

JUBA — The Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) has confirmed renewed fighting in Akobo town in Jonglei State following the entry of South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) troops into the area, amid competing accounts about the situation on the ground.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, SPLM/A-IO spokesperson Pal Mai Deng said opposition forces had vacated the town as part of a tactical manoeuvre before clashes erupted with government troops late Tuesday.

According to Pal, SPLA-IO fighters withdrew from Akobo town before launching what he described as an assault on government forces and their allies after they entered the area.

“The SPLA-IO forces strategically vacated the town to lure the SSPDF and its local allies into the town,” he said.

Pal claimed that fighting broke out at around 4 p.m., resulting in casualties among government troops and forcing them to withdraw from parts of the town. He further alleged that SPLA-IO forces remain positioned near the county headquarters while government troops are located west of the Geni River.

“At the time of writing this statement, the county headquarters is under the control of the SPLM-IO,” Pal said.

The opposition spokesperson also rejected earlier claims that Akobo County Commissioner James Kueth Makuach had resumed his duties at the county headquarters after being escorted to the town by SSPDF troops.

However, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang had earlier confirmed that government forces had reached areas close to Akobo town and were received by the commissioner.

“This morning, Hon. James Kueth Makuach, Commissioner of Akobo County, visited the gallant SSPDF forces at Wei-Deng Noka, a few kilometers west of Akobo town,” Lul said in a statement.

“He officially and warmly welcomed the national army.”

The statements from both sides suggest a rapidly evolving security situation in Akobo, with neither claim independently verified.

The reported clashes come amid rising tensions in Jonglei State, where government forces have been conducting operations against positions believed to be held by SPLA-IO fighters.

Earlier this week, the SSPDF issued a directive ordering civilians, humanitarian organizations, and United Nations peacekeepers to leave Akobo County ahead of planned military operations — a move that drew concern from international partners and humanitarian agencies who warned that such actions could endanger civilians.

Akobo County hosts tens of thousands of residents and displaced families who rely heavily on humanitarian assistance, raising fears that renewed fighting could further destabilize the already fragile situation in the region.

Authorities and humanitarian actors have yet to provide independent confirmation of the current control of Akobo town or the number of casualties resulting from the latest clashes.