Heavy Fighting in South Sudan Town Forces Mass Displacement

Intense fighting has broken out in the town of Akobo in South Sudan, where rival government and opposition forces are battling for control.

According to security sources, the national army entered the town on Tuesday, leading to clashes across several areas. However, opposition forces say they still control the county headquarters and deny government claims that it has regained full control.

The violence has forced a massive displacement of civilians. Around 200,000 people have fled toward the nearby border area of Tiergol, seeking safety from the fighting.

Ahead of the offensive, the army ordered foreign aid groups to evacuate the town. Some organizations, including Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), left the area, while the United Nations decided to stay despite the escalating violence.

The conflict is part of the long-running political struggle between President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar. Their rivalry triggered a civil war after South Sudan gained independence in 2011. Although a power-sharing agreement was signed in 2018, tensions have grown again since early 2025, leading to renewed clashes in several parts of the country.

Source: Newstimehub