Tensions in Akobo County, Jonglei State, eased on Thursday after a newly appointed commissioner backed by the opposition SPLM-IO was sworn into office, ending a dayslong political standoff.
The dispute began on Jan. 16 when SPLM-IO Acting Chairman Oyet Nathaniel dismissed the county’s commissioner, James Kueth Makuach, and replaced him with John Wiyual Lul.
Kueth, who had been serving on the SPLA-IO ticket, initially refused to step aside, triggering tensions in the county.
Community leaders held several days of talks to resolve the impasse. On Jan. 21, Kueth and his supporters agreed to allow the newly appointed commissioner to assume office, according to local officials.
Lul was sworn in on Thursday, Jan. 22. In his first address, he called for unity and calm, urging residents to set aside political differences and focus on peace and stability.
“I will work with everyone and will not pursue anyone who opposed my appointment,” Lul said, addressing officials and residents gathered at his office.
He also appealed to the Akobo community to maintain peaceful relations with neighboring areas, including Ethiopia, Upper Nile State, Jonglei State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.
Lul sought to reassure humanitarian organizations operating in the county, saying their staff and operations would be protected. He specifically mentioned the International Committee of the Red Cross and Médecins Sans Frontières, emphasizing that humanitarian access and the safety of aid workers would remain a priority.
Jonglei State is currently witnessing rising insecurity and violent clashes between the SSPDF and the SPLA-IO.