In a brief statement issued on Sunday, SPLM-IO spokesperson Pal Mai Deng announced the capture of the strategic area and praised the opposition forces involved in the operation.
“Today, SPLA-IO has captured Walgak. The enemy has suffered heavy casualties. Details will be shared by Col. Lam Paul Gabriel shortly. Congratulations to SPLA-IO Sector Three Command under Gen. John Luk Bayak,” Pal said.
A geolocation analysis conducted by Sudans Post found that SPLA-IO forces launched an eastward offensive from the direction of Akobo on Sunday morning, overrunning Walgaak Payam after clashes with government-aligned forces.
The analysis, based on geolocated battlefield footage, as well as information from security sources and residents, showed that government-aligned forces withdrew from the area before SPLA-IO fighters consolidated control of the payam.
Walgaak had been serving as the administrative headquarters of Akobo County under the pro-government county administration after the area was previously captured by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces.
Multiple local sources also told Sudans Post that Commissioner Makuach, a member of the ruling SPLM-IG, was killed during the fighting. The government had not immediately commented on the claim by the time of publication.
The capture of Walgaak effectively places all of Akobo County under the control of the SPLA-IO, the armed opposition movement led by detained First Vice President Riek Machar. The development marks one of the most significant territorial gains by the opposition in eastern Jonglei State in recent months.
According to the geolocation analysis, government forces retreated eastward toward Waat in Nyirol County and southeast toward Pieri in Uror County, leaving SPLA-IO fighters in control of the strategic border county.
The latest battlefield developments come amid escalating tensions between forces aligned to President Salva Kiir and the SPLA-IO, heightening concerns over the future of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan.
The peace deal remains under increasing strain following the detention of Machar and renewed fighting in several parts of the country as South Sudan heads for the December 2026 elections.
The clashes also come after SPLM-IO Acting Chairman, Oyet Nathaniel Pierino, threatened to detain voter registration officials who enter areas under the group’s control following the National Elections Commission’s announcement that elections will take place later this year.
