Maj Gen Lul Ruai Koang, the SSPDF spokesperson addressing press in Bilpam on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 - Credit: Eye Radio/Awan Moses

The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces have announced the recapture of Akobo from opposition forces and directed UNMISS and humanitarian agencies to resume operations in the area immediately.

The army spokesperson, Maj Gen Lul Ruai Koang, called on humanitarian organizations to return to Akobo and resume assistance to the population. This follows the recapture of the area from opposition forces on Tuesday morning.

On March 6, the SSPDF Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Paul Nang, ordered UNMISS and humanitarian agencies to leave Akobo.

Following the change in control, SSPDF spokesperson Lul Ruai Koang urged civilians who fled to Ethiopia or nearby villages to return to their homes. He stated that the SSPDF is present in Akobo to provide protection.

The military leadership is requesting that all civilians who left Akobo and the surrounding areas return to their villages. Lul Ruai Koang stated the following:

“All humanitarian agencies that pulled out of Akobo town on the 7th and the 8th, shortly before we captured it, are now requested to resume their normal humanitarian operations, including the delivery of aid. Akobo is safe, the surrounding areas are safe, and therefore they should return within the shortest time possible.”

He added that the military is present to ensure safety for both residents and aid workers as they restart their programs.

Eye Radio could not independently verify these claims at the time of reporting. While the station continues to monitor the situation on the ground, it has not yet confirmed the military’s control of the town or the current security status through independent sources.