Akobo under scrutiny: Renewed clashes and sharp disagreements in South Sudan

Akobo County in Jonglei State witnessed South SudanArmed clashes have resumed in a number of areas, just days after the state governor, Rick Gai-Kok, visited the region.

Discussions focused on calming the situation and promoting stability.

According to local reports, there are sharp disagreements in the country and a state of uncertainty surrounding the fate and future of this province, especially since clashes have broken out between government forces and armed opposition groups in the vicinity of the town. AkuboIn addition, areas near the Ethiopian border, amid escalating security tensions.

These developments come after a field visit by Jonglei State Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok to Akobo, in a move aimed at calming the situation and promoting stability in the region.

The renewed fighting in Akobo County raises questions about the fragility of the security situation and the continuing challenges facing peace efforts in the state, placing it under the microscope of security instability and threatening the safety of citizens.

Security risks in the country

There are also numerous security risks in the country after the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces took control of the area amid fighting with opposition forces.

This comes in the context of sharp disagreements, ongoing tensions and armed conflicts between the People’s Defense Forces loyal to the country’s president, Salva Kiir, and the forces of the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement led by Riek Machar. These conflicts are concentrated in several areas of Jonglei, which includes Akobo County.

It is reported that the city of Akobo, near the Ethiopian border, was captured last month by the People's Defense Forces after they expelled opposition forces for the first time since 2013, leading to the displacement of many residents and prompting humanitarian agencies to evacuate their staff.

UN base in Akobo, South Sudan closed

In a notable development, a United Nations official stated that the UN mission in South Sudan will close its temporary operational base in Akobo, Jonglei State, in the coming weeks.

Francesca Mould, the mission's chief of communications and media, told Radio Tamazuj that the base closure was originally planned for December 2025, but was postponed due to deteriorating security conditions, with peacekeepers remaining in the area to support affected communities.

Last month, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces ordered UN staff and humanitarian workers to leave Akobo within 72 hours amid fighting with opposition forces, but UN staff remained in the area to protect civilians.