Defiant Jonglei Governor dispatches advance team to Akobo

BOR – Jonglei State Governor Dr Riek Gai Kok has pressed ahead with plans to visit Akobo County, dispatching an advance team despite an explicit objection from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO).

The delegation, made up of security personnel, protocol staff, and members of the governor’s press unit, touched down in Akobo on Thursday ahead of Dr Gai’s scheduled Saturday visit, which aims to assess the security situation and reinforce ongoing peace efforts in the restive county.

Their arrival marks a clear show of resolve by the governor’s office, coming just days after SPLM-IO Sector Three publicly rejected the planned tour. The opposition faction had argued that the security environment was “not conducive” and pointed to unresolved political grievances. It further instructed its local structures not to take part in any activities related to the visit.

But according to Gai Manath Lual, Press Secretary in the Governor’s Office, the advance team encountered no hostility on the ground.

“The first advance team sent by the governor arrived in Akobo County yesterday, and we were received peacefully with hospitality by Akobo County Commissioner James,” he told Sudans Post.

“Community leaders, church leaders, women, youth, and others received us at the airstrip as we prepare to welcome the governor tomorrow. The people of Akobo remain united as they wait for his visit,” he added.

Lual urged residents of Akobo and the surrounding Lou Nuer areas to maintain calm and cooperation ahead of the governor’s arrival. “I’m calling on the citizens of Akobo County and neighbouring counties to embrace a spirit of cooperation and respect, ensuring that the visit strengthens and builds a stronger future for Akobo County,” he said.

Akobo County Commissioner James Makuach also dismissed circulating reports alleging tensions in the area, describing them as baseless online rumours.

“The governor’s delegation arrived yesterday, including his bodyguards, and we expect the governor to come on Saturday,” Makuach said. “Even this morning, chartered planes were landing. Akobo is peaceful, and those are just social media rumours.”

However, the SPLA-IO escalated its stance on Friday, issuing a notice to airline operators in Juba declaring a 72-hour restriction on landings at the Akobo airstrip. The group labelled the governor’s visit “politically motivated” and warned that only aircraft belonging to UNMISS, ICRC, MSF, and other UN agencies would be permitted to land during the period.

The directive, effective from midday Friday, cautioned that unauthorised aircraft and their passengers risk detention and indicated that the restrictions could be extended depending on the evolving security situation.

Governor Gai is expected to proceed with the trip unless security conditions force a last-minute change, setting the stage for a potentially tense weekend in Akobo.