FILE PHOTO: SSPDF Spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang in an interview with to Eye Radio in Bilpam. May 15, 2024. (Photo: Lou Nelson).

The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) spokesperson has broken his silence following the recent heavy clashes in Akobo between the SSPDF and SPLA-IO, but fell short of providing details, stating the military would not comment further on the incident for the time being.

In a post on his official social media page, Major General Lul Ruai Koang cited the “fluidity” of the security situation as the primary reason for the lack of a detailed brief.

The public acknowledgment comes after the spokesperson had reportedly been declining media inquiries for hours, repeatedly telling journalists, “I will get back to you after consultation with the SSPDF Chief.”

The statement released from the SSPDF General Headquarters in Bilpam read: “Due to the fluidity of the security situation in Akobo and surrounding areas, the Office of SSPDF Spokesperson, as of now, wouldn’t release a press statement on yesterday’s military engagements.”

The military response follows a reported early-morning offensive on Monday. According to Sam Koang, a journalist with Akobo Peace Radio, fighting erupted at approximately 5:11 AM when SPLA-IO forces moved to retake the town.

Sam, who witnessed the aftermath after crossing the Pibor River from Tiergol, Ethiopia, reported seeing multiple casualties within the military barracks and surrounding outskirts. The town had been under SSPDF control since March, following an evacuation order that saw most civilians and media personnel flee across the border.

The brief social media update suggests that the situation on the ground remains contested or tactically sensitive. The SSPDF noted that a full update would only be provided once “all missing links are successfully put together.”

While the SSPDF has acknowledged the “military engagements,” they have yet to confirm the current status of the town or the total number of casualties. However, as of Monday afternoon, the SPLA-IO Spokesperson took to his social media page to officially announce that their forces had recaptured Akobo.