Fighting broke out on Monday morning in Nyirol County, Jonglei State, between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO), officials said.

Peter Gatkuoth Koang, SPLA-IO-appointed commissioner for Nyirol County, said that government forces attacked their base in Riang Payam early on Monday.

“Our forces were attacked by the SSPDF this morning. The fighting was intense, but we managed to repel them, and they returned to Pading,” Gatkuoth said.

Gatkuoth, a member of the SPLM-IO’s National Liberation Council, warned that fighting could escalate further. He said SPLA-IO forces would only cease operations once their leader, Dr. Riek Machar, is released and SSPDF troops withdraw from Lou Nuer areas.

“We are calling on SSPDF soldiers in Yuai and other Lou Nuer areas to vacate. Our forces have already taken charge of Pathai after government troops left,” Gatkuoth said. He added that if Machar’s detention continues, SPLA-IO may launch operations against government positions, including Bor.

The clashes in Riang Payam come just a week after SPLA-IO captured Waat town from government forces. Sources in neighbouring Uror County expressed fears of a potential attack on Yuai, the county headquarters still held by the SSPDF.

Local residents have accused the government-appointed commissioner of mobilising the Cie-Maikir community to prepare for defensive operations against SPLA-IO advances.

Attempts to reach SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang and Nyirol County’s government-appointed commissioner, James Bol Makuey, were unsuccessful.

The renewed clashes threaten to further destabilize a region already facing a severe humanitarian crisis, raising concerns about the impact on local communities and relief operations.