The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) says its forces have recaptured Walgak Payam in Akobo West County, Jonglei State.

According to the opposition movement, its forces regained control of the area on Sunday and have now secured the entire Akobo County, which had been under the control of government forces for more than six months. SPLA-IO forces were reportedly forced to withdraw from the area in January this year following sustained military operations by government troops.

The renewed fighting involves SPLA-IO forces loyal to opposition leader Dr Riek Machar and government troops operating under the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), which supports President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

Tensions in northern Jonglei have continued to escalate since clashes in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, in March 2025. Those clashes resulted in the reported deaths of an SSPDF general and around 250 soldiers. The subsequent arrest and trial of SPLA-IO leaders, including the political detention of senior opposition figures, further intensified the political and military crisis across the country.

In January, the SSPDF issued evacuation orders for civilians living in conflict-affected areas as it launched what it described as “Operation Enduring Peace”, aimed at recapturing territories held by SPLA-IO forces.

The fighting has reportedly displaced tens of thousands of civilians, forcing families to flee their homes and worsening an already severe humanitarian situation in South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation.

The United Nations and other international humanitarian organisations have repeatedly warned that escalating violence is restricting access to vulnerable communities, making it increasingly difficult to deliver life-saving aid to people affected by conflict, displacement and food insecurity.