Author: Wol Mapal | Published: 8 minutes ago
Governor Dr Riek Gai Kok was received by a multitude upon his arrival in Akobo|Courtesy
The Governor of Jonglei State on Wednesday arrived in Akobo County for a peace rally following recent clashes between rival forces that displaced thousands of civilians and triggered a humanitarian crisis along the South Sudan–Ethiopia border.
The visit comes weeks after heavy fighting erupted between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army–In Opposition (SPLA-IO) and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in and around Akobo.
The violence forced many residents to flee into Ethiopia, with others remaining in remote areas with limited access to food, water, and medical care.
Humanitarian agencies estimate that most of the displaced are women and children, with many seeking safety in Ethiopia’s Gambella region.
Governor Riek Gai Kok is the first high-level government official to visit Akobo since the clashes began. According to a post on his social media accounts, the peace rally aims to reassure residents, encourage returns, and promote dialogue between communities and armed actors.
Crowd welcomes governor Dr Riek|Courtesy
The fighting reportedly started after tensions escalated between the SPLA-IO and SSPDF, both of which maintain a presence in the area despite the 2018 revitalized peace agreement. Gunfire and shelling spread through civilian areas, causing panic and mass displacement.
During the height of the insecurity, the SSPDF issued an ultimatum ordering the United Nations and other humanitarian agencies to evacuate personnel from Akobo due to safety concerns and ongoing military operations.
Several aid organizations scaled down or relocated staff, complicating relief efforts in the hard-to-reach area. Humanitarian partners have requested guarantees of safety and unrestricted access to deliver assistance.
Reports indicate civilians’ property, including the local market and the town’s only solar water panel, was looted following SSPDF control of the town. The influx of refugees into Ethiopia added pressure to already limited resources in border communities.
During the rally, Governor Riek Gai Kok is expected to meet with community leaders, youth representatives, and local officials to de-escalate tensions and reaffirm commitments to the peace agreement. Peace actors say dialogue and reconciliation are necessary to prevent further violence.
The continued presence of armed groups, unresolved political tensions, and limited trust between parties remain obstacles to stability in Akobo and other parts of Jonglei State.
It is unclear when displaced residents will safely return home, with many awaiting assurances of security and restoration of humanitarian services.
Last week, the SSPDF instructed all humanitarian agencies to resume operations in Akobo, stating the area is now under full government control. The armed forces’ spokesperson, Lul Ruai, called on civilians to return home and dismissed claims that the area remains insecure
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