Juba: Fresh fighting in South Sudan’s troubled Jonglei State has raised new fears about the future of the country’s fragile peace process after a government appointed county commissioner was killed during an attack by opposition fighters.
James Kueth Makuach, the government appointed commissioner of Akobo County, was killed during fighting in Walgak, a remote area in Akobo West. Government and opposition officials confirmed that fighting had taken place, although the full number of people killed and injured remains unclear. Reports also indicated that senior military personnel were among those killed.
The latest violence has added to growing concern over the security situation in Akobo, an area that has become one of the main centres of tension between government forces and opposition groups. The conflict is closely connected to political disputes over control of local administration and the weakening of the peace agreement signed in 2018.
Makuach had earlier been associated with the opposition but later joined the ruling party of President Salva Kiir in April. His appointment as commissioner created further political tension because the position had been allocated to the opposition under the power sharing arrangements of the peace agreement.
The disagreement over local leadership reflects the wider political crisis facing South Sudan. Rival groups continue to accuse each other of violating the peace deal, while fighting has returned to several parts of the country.
Akobo has experienced months of growing military tension. Earlier in 2026, the South Sudanese military ordered civilians, humanitarian workers and United Nations personnel to leave the town before a planned military operation. The order led to a large movement of civilians from the area.
Thousands of people, including women, children and elderly residents, fled their homes because of fears that heavy fighting would reach civilian areas. Many crossed towards neighbouring Ethiopia in search of safety, while others moved to villages and temporary shelters.
Opposition forces later regained control of the strategic town after government troops withdrew. The change in control increased fears that fighting between the government and opposition could spread to other areas of Jonglei State.
The humanitarian situation remains serious. Aid organisations have warned that repeated fighting is forcing families to leave their homes and making it difficult for humanitarian workers to reach people who need food, medicine and clean water.
United Nations figures have shown a sharp increase in displacement and civilian casualties since violence began rising again in 2025. Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced from their homes, with northern Jonglei among the areas badly affected by insecurity.
The latest killing in Akobo is particularly worrying because it shows how political disputes, military rivalry and local leadership struggles are becoming closely connected. Analysts fear that the situation could become more difficult to control if attacks and revenge operations continue.
South Sudan gained independence in 2011 after decades of conflict with Sudan. However, the new country entered a civil war in 2013 after a political dispute between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar developed into widespread violence.
A peace agreement signed in 2018 created a power sharing government and was expected to bring the rival sides together. However, the agreement has faced repeated delays and serious disagreements over security arrangements, political reforms and preparations for elections.
Relations between the main political camps have become increasingly tense. The detention and prosecution of Machar have further deepened mistrust between the government and opposition supporters. There are growing fears that the political crisis could weaken the peace agreement even further.
Regional and international observers have repeatedly called on South Sudan’s leaders to resolve political disagreements through dialogue instead of military action. Peace monitors have warned that continued fighting threatens civilians and could reverse years of efforts to end the conflict.
The latest violence also comes as South Sudan prepares for its long delayed national elections, which are scheduled for December 22, 2026. The vote is expected to be the country’s first national election since independence.
However, continued fighting, displacement and political disagreement could create serious challenges for election preparations. Many people in conflict affected areas have been forced away from their homes, while insecurity could make voter registration and other preparations difficult.
For families living in Akobo and other parts of Jonglei, the immediate concern remains survival. Many have already experienced years of war, hunger and displacement. The latest fighting has again created fear that communities could be drawn into another long period of violence.
The killing of the commissioner and the continuing struggle for control of Akobo show how quickly local disputes can become part of the wider national crisis. Unless the rival sides return to meaningful political dialogue and respect the peace agreement, concerns will continue to grow that South Sudan could face a wider conflict at a time when millions of people are already struggling with insecurity and humanitarian hardship.