The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLA-IO) has called on displaced civilians and humanitarian organisations to return to their communities and resume activities, saying security conditions have improved in recently contested areas.
In a statement shared on Facebook, SPLA-IO spokesperson and Chairperson of the Information and Communications Committee, Hon. Pal Mai Deng, said the affected areas are now “fully secure” and safe for civilians and aid workers to return.
The opposition group also appealed to UNHCR South Sudan to urgently coordinate the delivery of basic necessities to affected civilians. The appeal follows SPLA-IO’s takeover of three counties that were previously under the control of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).
Recent fighting in Waat, Akobo, and Uror counties between SPLA-IO forces and troops loyal to President Salva Kiir has forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes. Local reports allege that SSPDF helicopter gunships carried out aerial bombardments during the clashes.
According to eyewitness accounts and local sources, more than ten civilians—mostly women and children—were reportedly killed in recent airstrikes across the affected counties. Independent verification of the casualty figures remains limited.
The renewed violence has further worsened the humanitarian situation in Upper Nile and Jonglei regions, where communities continue to face displacement, food shortages, and restricted access to aid.
