SPLM/A-IO Froces (Courtesy)
Nairobi, February 4, 2026
By Savanna Radio East Africa Correspondent…
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-in-Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) has confirmed that its forces carried out what it describes as a “tactical withdrawal” from their positions in Jonglei State, following intense clashes with the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF). In a statement seen by Savanna Radio, SPLM/A-IO’s Spokeperson said the pullback was a strategic move intended to “preserve forces and reposition,” stressing that it should not be interpreted as a defeat. The group indicated that its units had relocated from certain frontline areas but remained “operational and capable” in the broader theater of operations.
Meanwhile, the SSPDF has publicly claimed victory, saying its forces have successfully dislodged SPLM/A-IO elements from key locations in Jonglei and restored government control. Military sources aligned with the SSPDF hailed the development as a major security gain and insisted that armed opposition activity in the area had been “largely neutralized.”
The contrasting narratives reflect heightened tensions and competing claims over the situation on the ground in Jonglei, a state that has repeatedly seen cycles of conflict, armed mobilization, and fragile ceasefires. Local residents and humanitarian actors have expressed concern that the renewed hostilities and shifting frontlines could trigger new displacement and worsen existing humanitarian needs.
Jonglei State has been gripped by escalating clashes since late December 2025 between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and SPLM/Army-in-Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) forces, primarily in northern and central counties including Nyirol, Uror, Akobo, Ayod, and Duk, where opposition advances prompted government airstrikes and a major counteroffensive dubbed “Operation Enduring Peace.” The fighting has displaced around 280,000 people as of early February 2026, with civilians fleeing to host communities amid widespread looting of aid facilities, access restrictions blocking humanitarian response, and reports of civilian casualties, including an airstrike on an MSF hospital in Lankien. SSPDF claims recent victories in reclaiming territory, while SPLM/A-IO describes its retreats as tactical, heightening risks of further displacement, food insecurity (with Emergency IPC Phase 4 conditions doubling), and atrocities in this volatile region
Savanna Radio will continue to monitor official statements, verify developments from multiple sources, and bring you updates on the security and humanitarian situation in Jonglei as this story develops.
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