Government Official Killed as Fighting Intensifies in Oil-Rich Jonglei State

Renewed violence in South Sudan has claimed the life of a government-appointed county commissioner, raising fresh concerns over the country’s fragile peace agreement and the security of civilians ahead of long-delayed national elections.

Authorities confirmed that James Kueth Makuach, the government-appointed commissioner of Akobo County, was killed during an attack by opposition fighters in Walgak, a remote community in Akobo West on Sunday.

The assassination marks another dangerous escalation in a conflict that has continued to threaten the implementation of South Sudan’s 2018 peace agreement.

Government Condemns ‘Assassination’

South Sudan’s ruling party described the killing as a “brutal assassination” and announced plans to convene an emergency meeting to determine its next course of action.

Government officials accused opposition forces loyal to detained opposition leader Riek Machar of carrying out the deadly assault.

The attack comes amid growing political tensions between President Salva Kiir‘s administration and opposition groups over the implementation of the country’s fragile power-sharing arrangement.

Political Defection Sparked Fresh Tensions

James Kueth Makuach had previously belonged to the opposition before defecting to President Kiir’s ruling party in April 2026.

Following his defection, the government appointed him commissioner of Akobo County.

However, the appointment immediately became controversial because the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement allocates the county commissioner position in Akobo to the opposition under the country’s power-sharing formula.

The move deepened political divisions in Jonglei State and intensified competition for control of one of South Sudan’s strategically important and oil-producing regions.

Opposition Claims Temporary Control of Area

Opposition-appointed Jonglei State Governor John Wiyual Lul confirmed that opposition forces briefly captured Walgak during the fighting before withdrawing after government troops launched a counteroffensive.

According to Lul, several senior military officers were also killed during the clashes.

Authorities have not yet released an official casualty figure, with Jonglei State government spokesperson Nyamar Lony Thichiot saying assessments are still ongoing.

Peace Monitors Warn 2018 Agreement Is Under Threat

The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission warned that the renewed violence poses a serious threat to South Sudan’s peace process.

The commission said the clashes undermine implementation of the 2018 peace agreement that formally ended years of civil war and place thousands of civilians at renewed risk.

Analysts fear continued fighting could destabilize several regions if political disputes are allowed to escalate into armed conflict.

UN Peacekeepers Had Already Withdrawn

The latest violence comes only weeks after the United Nations withdrew peacekeepers from a protection base in Akobo that had been established to shield civilians from attacks.

The withdrawal followed changing security assessments but has since raised concerns about civilian protection as violence returns to the area.

Akobo County first witnessed renewed clashes in March after opposition fighters attacked a government military base.

Since then, security has steadily deteriorated despite repeated calls for restraint.

Civil Society Raises Alarm

South Sudanese civil society organizations say the country risks sliding back into widespread violence if political leaders fail to uphold the permanent ceasefire.

Juba-based activist Bol Deng Bol described the renewed fighting as:

“An unfortunate relapse into violence and a clear threat to civilians, their property and humanitarian operations.”

Another prominent peace advocate, Edmond Yakani, urged both the government and opposition to recommit themselves to the peace agreement and immediately halt hostilities.

Humanitarian organizations also fear the fighting could disrupt aid deliveries to vulnerable communities already facing food insecurity and displacement.

Elections Scheduled for December

The renewed conflict comes just months before South Sudan is expected to hold its long-delayed general elections on December 22, 2026.

If conducted as planned, the vote would be the country’s first national election since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011.

Political observers warn that continued insecurity could jeopardize preparations for the elections and further delay South Sudan’s democratic transition.

Why This Matters

The killing of a senior government official highlights the fragility of South Sudan’s peace process eight years after the signing of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

With political rivalries once again spilling onto the battlefield, fears are growing that localized clashes could evolve into broader instability if dialogue fails.

As the country prepares for historic elections, both domestic and international stakeholders are urging restraint, accountability, and renewed commitment to peace.