Heavy fighting broke out Tuesday morning in Akobo in Jonglei State after government troops moved into the town and clashed with opposition forces.
Both the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army‑in‑Opposition (SPLA-IO) claimed control of the area.
A video circulating online showed former Akobo County commissioner James Kueth Makuach speaking from the county headquarters, saying the town had “fallen peacefully” to government forces.
Kueth urged residents who had fled their homes to return, warning that the deserted town could encourage looting. He also called on humanitarian organizations to resume operations.
However, John Wiyual Lul, the SPLA-IO-appointed commissioner, disputed the claim. He told Radio Tamazuj that government troops briefly captured the town in the morning but were pushed out later in the afternoon.
He said the government forces retreated toward Wech-Deng after renewed fighting around 3 p.m.
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