People displaced by recent fighting in northern Jonglei state described alleged killings, bombardments and widespread destruction after clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the SPLA-IO.
Hundreds have fled to Akobo town following violence in parts of the Lou Nuer areas, including Lankien, Walgak and Yuai. Many of those who spoke to Radio Tamazuj were women and children who said they had walked for days to reach safety.
The SSPDF has not yet responded to the allegations.
Nyadhiel, who said she fled Lankien, alleged that her mother was killed when government forces bombarded a market.
“My mother was killed in Lankien when the SSPDF bombarded the market,” she said. “I am now orphaned with five siblings. As the eldest, I bear the responsibility of caring for them.”
She said the family fled into the bush when the town was captured and became separated from their father, whose whereabouts are unknown. She arrived in Akobo on 11 February and said they were struggling to find food.
Others described similar experiences.
Par, who said he fled Walgak in Akobo West, accused government forces of burning homes and killing civilians. He alleged that eight women, including nursing mothers, were killed.
He said Walgak and nearby villages, including Pangernger, Nyanuer, Koat Riang and Pathai, were razed.
“Civilians are left vulnerable, and humanitarian assistance is urgently needed,” he added.
Nyatocha Ruach said she walked for four days from Yuai to Akobo town after fearing for her life.
“I fled because of bombardments targeting civilians and their properties,” she said, adding that she urgently needed food, shelter and clothing.
Satellite imagery investigations by Radio Tamazuj have corroborated these accounts, showing evidence of burned structures and damage around Walgak early this month.
Marina Nyabor Gatwech, also from Walgak, said her three homes were burned and alleged that elderly people and those with mental disabilities were among those killed.
Nyamal Wur alleged that her husband was shot dead in Padoch village while trying to protect his elderly father, who she said was also killed. Another woman, Nyantot Dup, said her 80-year-old mother was shot in both legs when soldiers opened fire on their home before setting it alight.
Nyayual Chuol said she fled Pathai with her grandson, alleging that the child’s mother was killed and that he was shot in both legs during the violence.
“We were hiding from gunships when the SSPDF marched into town and fired indiscriminately,” she said.
Community leaders raise alarm
Community leaders from the Lou Nuer in the capital, Juba, have issued a statement accusing the SSPDF of targeting civilians in Uror, Nyirol and Akobo counties.
In a statement released on 18 February, the Lou Nuer Community Council (LNCC) alleged that military operations had gone beyond targeting SPLA-IO fighters and had instead focused on non-combatants.
The council claimed homes, markets, schools and health facilities had been burned and water points destroyed, worsening an already fragile humanitarian situation.
The council warned that the violence had led to mass displacement, hunger and the spread of disease, and appealed to the government and the international community for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urgent humanitarian assistance.
Despite the accusations, the group called for dialogue and reconciliation, urging both the SSPDF and the SPLA-IO to return to peace talks.
The council, headed by Gatkuoth Duop in an acting capacity, is composed of seven senior members, including Dr. Gabrial Gai Riam, Secretary General; Racheal Nyadak Paul, Secretary for Gender and Social Welfare; Prof. Julia Duany; and others.
Northern Jonglei has seen fighting between the SSPDF and the SPLA-IO since December 2025, displacing thousands of civilians and causing widespread destruction.