Violence has intensified in South Sudan’s Jonglei State as opposition fighters retook the strategic town of Akobo, raising fresh alarm.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan warned the situation could worsen, urging restraint amid fears of deepening humanitarian suffering.
Fighting erupted over the weekend, with opposition forces claiming control after pushing out government troops who had seized the town in March.
Opposition spokesman Lam Paul Gabriel said fighters captured military vehicles and weapons, signalling a decisive shift in control over Akobo.
Government officials condemned the assault, with Public Service Minister Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth calling the attacks senseless and accusing rebels of endangering civilians.
Authorities said further details would be provided, though the army’s spokesperson declined immediate comment as uncertainty clouded the situation.
The renewed clashes highlight the fragility of South Sudan’s peace process, which has faltered since a 2018 agreement began unravelling last year.
Akobo remains a key opposition stronghold linked to detained vice president Riek Machar, a central figure in the country’s prolonged conflict.
Last month, government forces ordered evacuations ahead of planned operations, forcing thousands of residents to flee toward the Ethiopian border.
Videos circulating online appeared to show opposition fighters occupying strategic points, including the airstrip and administrative headquarters in central Akobo.
The U.N. mission said it is engaging all parties to prevent escalation, warning that continued violence could push already strained communities further into crisis.
Adding to concerns, the mission is preparing to close its base in Akobo following budget cuts, potentially limiting humanitarian access when it is most needed.
