The party said it convened an emergency session at its national headquarters, chaired by Secretary General Dr. Akol Paul Kordit, to discuss developments in Akobo County.

In the statement, the SPLM said James Kueth Makuach, who served as both the SPLM chairperson in Akobo County and the county commissioner, was killed in Walgak, Akobo West

“The SPLM strongly condemns the killing of the SPLM Chairperson and the Commissioner of Akobo County,” the statement said.

The party also alleged that the bodies of those killed were mistreated after the incident.

The SPLM called on armed groups and political actors to end the violence and resolve their differences through dialogue.

The party further appealed to the international community, regional organizations and development partners to condemn the violence and support efforts to prevent further escalation.

“On behalf of our Chairman H.E. Cde. Salva Kiir Mayardit, and the entire leadership of the SPLM, we extend our condolences to the families of the Late Hon. Cde. James Kueth Makuach and all the comrades who perished alongside him,” Dr. Kordit said. “We mourn our comrade and stand in solidarity with his family during this difficult time.”

The statement reiterated the SPLM’s commitment to peace and national reconciliation and called for calm across the country.

The condemnation followed reports of fighting in Akobo County.

Jonglei State government spokesperson Nyamar Lony Thichiot told Eye Radio on Sunday that clashes broke out between government forces and SPLA-IO fighters in Walgak Payam of Akobo County. He said details of the fighting and casualty figures were still unclear.

Walgak is located west of Akobo town. Nyamar said government and SPLA-IO forces had also clashed in Akobo West on Saturday but did not provide information on casualties.

He added that the state government had received reports from the area and was gathering more information.

Meanwhile, in a video shared on social media, SPLM-IO official James Buom Makuei claimed that Commissioner James Kueth was killed during the fighting on Saturday.

Buom also claimed that several other people were killed.

“My message is that we are in war, and this is what I stated earlier. Now Gatnyalew [Akobo County Commissioner James Kueth Makuach]  is dead, Chuol Makot is dead, and Tut Gate-Nyach is dead. So many have been killed,” Buom said.

Reacting to the violence, Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) Executive Director Edmund Yakani condemned the fighting in Walgak, Jonglei State, and Papuojo Boma in Upper Nile State.

Yakani said South Sudan’s political and military leaders should recommit themselves to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement and address their differences through dialogue.

He also called on the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to engage South Sudan’s leaders to prevent further escalation ahead of the planned December 2026 elections.

“The barrel of the gun will never respond to the aspirations of the people. Only dialogue can address the needs of South Sudanese citizens and secure lasting peace,” Yakani said.