Story perspectives

Govt Forces Retake Walgak, Recover Defector Commissioner

7/7/2026

Summary

Government Retakes Walgak

Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) fighters launched a 6 a.m. assault on Walgak, Jonglei State, overrunning the town.
Government forces from Waat retook Walgak, recovering bodies of commissioner James Kueth Makuach, Tut Chai Riek, brigadier Chuol Pathot and officer Gai Makuach Pan.
Makuach, who defected to President Salva Kiir’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) in April, had been appointed despite the 2018 peace deal reserving the post for the SPLA-IO.

Summary

Aid Groups Ceasefire

Three groups – CEPO, GACSN and NCSC – called for a ceasefire after the commissioner’s killing.
The appeal, signed by Edmund Yakani, Sam Koang Malual and Bol Deng Bol, urged the CTSAMVM to investigate and asked the Presidency to convene a dialogue that includes Vice President Riek Machar.
They demanded full protection for civilians, especially IDPs, and unrestricted humanitarian access, warning that renewed fighting threatens thousands of displaced people in Akobo and Walgak.

Summary

Pierino Threatens

SPLM-IO Acting Chairman Oyet Nathaniel Pierino warned he would detain voter registration officials entering areas after the election date was announced.
SPLA-IO said it recaptured Walgaak Payam, placing opposition in control of Akobo County.
Sudans Post analysis traced the offensive from Akobo and showed government forces retreating toward Waat and Pieri.
The advance heightens strain on the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Conflict in South Sudan as the December 2026 elections approach.

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Government Retakes Walgak

Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) fighters launched a 6 a.m. assault on Walgak, Jonglei State, overrunning the town.
Government forces from Waat retook Walgak, recovering bodies of commissioner James Kueth Makuach, Tut Chai Riek, brigadier Chuol Pathot and officer Gai Makuach Pan.
Makuach, who defected to President Salva Kiir’s Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) in April, had been appointed despite the 2018 peace deal reserving the post for the SPLA-IO.

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