UN Concerned as Opposition Retakes Strategic Town in South Sudan
The United Nations has expressed deep concern following the recapture of the strategic town of Akobo in South Sudan’s Jonglei State by opposition forces. The fighting, which erupted over the weekend, resulted in the ousting of government troops who had previously seized the area in March. Lam Paul Gabriel, a spokesman for the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO), confirmed that fighters captured military vehicles and weapons during the operation. In response, Public Service Minister Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth condemned the attacks as senseless, accusing the opposition of endangering civilians. This incident marks a significant escalation in hostilities since the breakdown of the 2018 peace deal approximately a year ago. Akobo, located near the Ethiopian border, serves as a key stronghold for opposition leader and detained Vice President Riek Machar. Prior to the assault, the army had issued evacuation orders, forcing thousands of residents to flee. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) warned of deteriorating humanitarian conditions and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further escalation. Despite these efforts, UNMISS is scheduled to close its base in Akobo due to budget reductions, complicating relief efforts in the conflict zone.
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UN Concerned as Opposition Retakes Strategic Town in South Sudan
The United Nations has expressed deep concern following the recapture of the strategic town of Akobo in South Sudan’s Jonglei State by opposition forces. The fighting, which erupted over the weekend, resulted in the ousting of government troops who had previously seized the area in March. Lam Paul Gabriel, a spokesman for the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO), confirmed that fighters captured military vehicles and weapons during the operation. In response, Public Service Minister Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth condemned the attacks as senseless, accusing the opposition of endangering civilians. This incident marks a significant escalation in hostilities since the breakdown of the 2018 peace deal approximately a year ago. Akobo, located near the Ethiopian border, serves as a key stronghold for opposition leader and detained Vice President Riek Machar. Prior to the assault, the army had issued evacuation orders, forcing thousands of residents to flee. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) warned of deteriorating humanitarian conditions and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further escalation. Despite these efforts, UNMISS is scheduled to close its base in Akobo due to budget reductions, complicating relief efforts in the conflict zone.
AP News