Senior government officials from Akobo County, including the county commissioner and police leadership, have arrived in the neighboring town of Pibor after the recapture of Akobo by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO), officials said.
The displacement of officials ends days of uncertainty over the whereabouts of Commissioner James Kueth Makuach and other senior administrators following Monday’s takeover of the border town.
Following the reported recapture of Akobo, local sources said retreating South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) troops moved toward Likuangole in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.
Jonglei State Minister of Information Nyamar Lony Thichot said the officials were in Pibor and that arrangements were being made to move them to Bor for safety and coordination.
“I would like to confirm the arrival of Hon. James Kueth Makuach and other accompanying officials from Akobo County. They are currently in Pibor town,” she said.
Those who arrived in Pibor include the county executive director, paramount chief, head chief, several local government officers, the head of police, and two members of parliament, she added.
The SPLA-IO recaptured Akobo earlier this week following clashes with government troops. The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) has not confirmed losing control of the town.
Army spokesperson Lul Ruai Koang said Tuesday that the military would not issue a full statement, citing what he described as the “fluidity of the security situation” in Akobo and surrounding areas.
“The nation will be updated once all missing links are successfully put together,” he said, adding that he was awaiting directives from the army leadership.
Mobile networks have been cut in Akobo following its capture by the SPLA-IO, according to officials.
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