Confusion continues to surround the situation in the town of Akobo in Jonglei State after the SSPDF said on Wednesday it had captured the strategic town near the Ethiopian border from the opposition SPLA-IO.
There has been no independent confirmation of the claim. However, interviews conducted by Radio Tamazuj with independent local sources suggest the situation on the ground is more complex.
Here is what sources say has happened in Akobo.
Withdrawal of SPLA-IO forces
According to local sources, fighters from the SPLA-IO withdrew from Akobo before SSPDF troops entered the town on Tuesday, March 10.
The source said the opposition fighters left with most of their weapons and equipment, leaving the town largely deserted before government forces arrived.
SSPDF entry into the town
The same source said SSPDF soldiers crossed the river from their temporary forward base in Wec-Deng, a few kilometres west of Akobo, on foot, as heavy military equipment and vehicles could not be moved across the water.
After entering Akobo, the troops briefly secured parts of the town to allow local officials, including government-appointed commissioner James Kueth Makuach, to enter, the source said.
The commissioner and other officials reportedly visited the town under the protection of SSPDF soldiers.
Following the visit, the soldiers who had crossed into Akobo town withdrew and rejoined a larger SSPDF force stationed across the Geni river at the Wec-Deng base.
While the SSPDF says it has captured Akobo, a significant number of its troops are reported to remain across the river rather than inside the town.
Independent sources said there were no immediate indications that SPLA-IO fighters had returned to Akobo.
Sporadic gunfire
After SPLA-IO fighters left the town, local youth known as the White Army carried out occasional hit-and-run attacks targeting SSPDF troops.
A source said these incidents triggered sporadic gunfire in and around Akobo but did not escalate into sustained fighting.
A second local source described a similar pattern over the past three days, saying SSPDF troops have been entering Akobo during the day and withdrawing in the evening to their base in Wec-Deng.
Looting reported
Sources said the town has been heavily looted.
Akobo’s market, hospital and compounds belonging to humanitarian organisations were stripped of supplies and equipment. Most civilians had already fled the town after the army last week ordered residents to evacuate within 72 hours.
Summary
Local accounts suggest SPLA-IO fighters withdrew from Akobo before SSPDF troops entered the town. Government forces appear to control access to Akobo town but maintain a larger presence across the river at Wec-Deng.
Sources also report ongoing hit-and-run attacks involving SSPDF troops and local youth, though there are no reports of sustained fighting.