By Sabri Dibaco
Jonglei State Minister of Information Nyamar Long has confirmed fresh clashes in Akobo County of Jonglei.
The information minister said clashes reportedly broke out between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) in the area.
The violence has also sparked unverified reports that the Akobo County commissioner was killed during the fighting.
However, the Jonglei State government said it has not confirmed the reports, urging the public to avoid speculation until official information becomes available.
Speaking to No.1 Citizen Newspaper on Sunday, Jonglei State Minister of Information Nyamar Longfishot said the state government had confirmed that an incident occurred in Walgaak but was still gathering details from the area.
“There was an incident in Walgaak, but we don’t have any details of that incident that occurred. We’re still trying to communicate on the ground so that we find out what exactly happened,” Longfishot said.
Asked about reports that the Akobo County commissioner had been killed, the minister said the information could not yet be verified.
“The killing of the commissioner is not confirmed because up to now we have not spoken to anybody on the ground to confirm that information,” she said.
The Minister added that the government would issue a public statement once it had received verified information from officials on the ground.
“I will be able to pass my message after I have confirmed the information because, based on the details that I will receive, this is when I can have a message,” she added.
Meanwhile, the National Civil Society Coalition has appealed to both the SSPDF and SPLA-IO to immediately cease hostilities in Akobo County, warning that continued fighting would place civilians at greater risk and further undermine ongoing peace efforts.
The coalition called on both parties to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and recommit themselves to resolving disputes through dialogue rather than military confrontation.
“We call for the immediate cessation of hostilities between the SSPDF and SPLA-IO forces in Akobo County. The safety and protection of civilians must remain the highest priority, and all parties should return to dialogue in the interest of lasting peace,” the coalition said in its appeal.
The civil society coalition further urged national leaders, regional guarantors, and peace partners to intervene swiftly to prevent further escalation and ensure that humanitarian access is maintained for communities affected by the fighting.
The latest clashes come amid heightened political and security tensions in several parts of South Sudan, raising fears that localised confrontations could threaten the implementation of the country’s fragile peace agreement.
Authorities say investigations and communication with local officials are continuing, and further updates will be provided once the situation on the ground has been independently verified.