Governor Gai reports SPLA-IO Akobo capture to President Kiir

JUBA – Jonglei State Governor Riek Gai Kok on Thursday briefed President Salva Kiir on the security situation in northern Jonglei, reporting that “Akobo County remains a concern” days after the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) reclaimed the embattled town from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).

According to a statement viewed by Sudans Post, Governor Gai outlined both the setbacks and progress recorded under Operation Enduring Peace, a government military campaign aimed at restoring stability in parts of the state.

He said that while several counties have been brought under the control of the national army, Akobo remains a major concern due to renewed clashes and shifting control.

The briefing comes four days after SPLA-IO forces announced the recapture of Akobo in an early morning offensive on Monday, underscoring the fragile and contested nature of security dynamics in the area.

The development also highlights ongoing confrontations between government forces and opposition fighters, despite regional efforts to return the country to the path of peace and stability.

Despite the insecurity, the presidency noted that peace dialogues between Jonglei State authorities and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area have begun yielding early signs of progress, particularly in easing inter-community tensions that have long fueled violence.

President Kiir acknowledged the scale of the challenges facing the governor and expressed confidence in his ability to manage the situation.

He urged Gai to remain committed to restoring peace while ensuring that humanitarian support, including food and basic services, reaches affected populations.

The president emphasized that sustainable peace requires more than military success, stressing the importance of addressing the underlying causes of conflict through improved service delivery, governance, and reconciliation initiatives.

The latest briefing reflects the complex reality in Jonglei State, where security gains remain uneven and dependent on both continued military efforts and parallel peacebuilding initiatives aimed at fostering long-term stability.