The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has announced that it will not immediately issue a press statement regarding the recent military engagements in Akobo County, citing the rapidly evolving security situation on the ground.
In a brief notice released on Tuesday, the SSPDF spokesperson, Lul Ruai Koang, said the army is still assessing developments following reports of clashes in the area.
He emphasized that the fluid nature of the situation makes it difficult to provide a comprehensive and accurate account at this stage.
“Due to the fluidity of the security situation in Akobo and surrounding areas, the Office of SSPDF Spokesperson, as of now, will not release a press statement on yesterday’s military engagements,” the statement read.
The military assured the public that updates would be provided once all relevant information has been verified and consolidated.
According to the spokesperson, efforts are ongoing to establish a clear picture of events, including confirming operational details and accounting for any missing links.
The development comes amid claims by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition that its forces have retaken control of Akobo County headquarters following a swift early morning military operation, signaling a fresh escalation in tensions in the region.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Lam Paul Gabriel, the group said its Sector 3 forces launched the attack at approximately 5:30 AM and secured full control of the county headquarters within about 50 minutes.
The SPLA-IO claimed that government-aligned forces suffered significant losses in both personnel and equipment during the brief confrontation.
It further reported capturing several military assets, including pick-up trucks some allegedly mounted with heavy weapons transport vehicles, and assorted small and medium-range arms.
While acknowledging casualties on its side, the opposition group expressed regret over the loss of life, maintaining that the operation was aimed at what it described as restoring control and stability in the area, as well as supporting displaced civilians.
The incident highlights the fragile and often volatile security dynamics in Akobo County, where control has shifted repeatedly between rival forces in recent months amid ongoing tensions between the SSPDF and SPLA-IO.
Meanwhile, civil society actors have raised alarm over the renewed fighting, warning that continued clashes are placing civilians at increasing risk.
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, described the situation as “deeply disturbing,” noting that repeated changes in control reflect a dangerous cycle of violence undermining peace efforts.
He urged both political and military leaders to abandon armed confrontation in favor of dialogue, emphasizing that sustainable peace can only be achieved through non-violent means.
“This trend is unacceptable and must stop immediately,” Yakani said, warning that civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence through loss of life, displacement, and destruction of property.
Yakani also called on all parties to adhere to ceasefire commitments under frameworks such as the African Union C-5 mechanism and the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, stressing that both the SSPDF and SPLA-IO share equal responsibility for compliance.
He further appealed to regional actors to urgently ensure the implementation of agreed peace resolutions, warning that continued violations risk derailing ongoing efforts to stabilize the country.
As tensions remain high in Akobo, fears persist that continued military engagements could further destabilize surrounding communities and undermine fragile peace gains in the region.
Akobo County, located in the restive Jonglei region, has in recent years witnessed intermittent clashes involving armed groups, often resulting in displacement of civilians and disruption of humanitarian operations.
The latest fighting has raised fresh concerns among residents and observers about the potential for escalation if the situation is not quickly contained.
