UN Expresses Grave Concern Over Violence in Strategic South Sudan Town
The United Nations has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating violence in the strategic town of Akobo, located in South Sudan's Jonglei State. This development comes after opposition forces successfully retook control of the town, ousting government troops in a series of intense clashes over the weekend.
Opposition Forces Capture Akobo and Seize Military Assets
Fighting erupted over the weekend, culminating in the opposition's capture of Akobo on Monday. Lam Paul Gabriel, spokesman for the Sudan People's Liberation Army-in-Opposition, confirmed that opposition fighters not only seized the town but also captured military vehicles and weapons during the operation. Government troops, who had initially taken control of Akobo in March, were forced to withdraw from the area.
Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, the public service minister, condemned the attacks as "senseless and unjustified," accusing opposition forces of endangering civilians. He stated that the army would provide further details on the events, although the army spokesperson has so far declined to comment.
Background of Conflict and Strategic Importance of Akobo
The South Sudanese government has been engaged in renewed hostilities with opposition forces since a 2018 peace deal collapsed approximately a year ago. Akobo is considered one of the last strongholds of the opposition, which is led by Riek Machar, South Sudan's detained vice president. Last month, the army issued an evacuation order for Akobo to facilitate a military operation against opposition forces, prompting thousands of residents to flee the town, which borders neighboring Ethiopia.
Videos circulating on social media have shown opposition fighters positioned in key locations, including near the airstrip and administrative headquarters, indicating that the group has established a significant presence in central administrative areas.
UN Mission Warns of Worsening Humanitarian Crisis
The U.N. Mission in South Sudan, known as UNMISS, issued a statement on Monday expressing alarm over the deteriorating humanitarian conditions and calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Priyanka Chowdhury, a UNMISS spokesperson, emphasized, "We are engaging intensively with all parties at all levels to help prevent further escalation and restore calm."
Compounding the crisis, UNMISS is scheduled to close its base in Akobo due to reductions in humanitarian budgets, potentially leaving the area with diminished international support amid the ongoing conflict.
