SPLA-IO Accused of Detaining Civilian Boats, Demanding $4,000 Along Sobat River ‎

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‎ Boat ferrying civilians  Nasir, Upper Nile State  ‎Authorities in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, have accused forces loyal to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army In Opposition (SPLA-IO) of detaining civilian riverboats and demanding ransom-like payments of up to $4,000 from traders and passengers along the Sobat River. ‎ ‎According to Nasir County Commissioner James Gatwech Joak, several boats traveling from Matar in Nasir County to Malakal were intercepted by SPLA-IO soldiers in Yakuach, an area in Nyirol County, Jonglei State. ‎ ‎“Our traders paid local taxes to SPLA-IO in Mandeng before setting off. But on reaching Yakuach, they were detained again and told to pay an additional four thousand U.S. dollars,” Commissioner Gatwech said. ‎ ‎He explained that the detained boat operators and traders were reportedly held for four days while armed men demanded more payments.  ‎ Some of the passengers were women, children, and patients traveling for medical treatment in Malaka...
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Akobo Commissioner Rejects Suspension, Accuses Jonglei Governor of Political Targeting

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Puok Nyang Tutjiek, the Commissioner of Akobo County in Jonglei State


‎Tensions have flared in Jonglei State after the Commissioner of Akobo County, Puok Nyang Tutjiek, rejected his suspension issued by Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok, calling it a politically motivated move aimed at silencing his support for SPLM-IO leader Dr. Riek Machar.

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‎Tutjiek, a senior SPLM-IO official, was suspended over the weekend following accusations by the governor that he violated administrative procedures by traveling to neighboring Ethiopia without official clearance and for publicly demanding Machar’s release from house arrest.

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‎In a strong response, Commissioner Tutjiek insisted that his trip had been approved by the former deputy governor and defended his right to call for the release of his party chairman. “Dr. Riek Machar is my leader. I have the right to speak up for him,” he said.

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‎He further questioned the legality of the suspension, saying the governor lacked the authority to remove him without due process and consultation with SPLM-IO leadership. “This is a clear attempt to intimidate us politically. It will not work,” Tutjiek declared.

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‎The move has drawn concern from civil society. Ter Manyang Gatwech, a prominent activist, warned that the suspension could worsen tensions in Jonglei and provoke unrest among the Lou Nuer community, which has remained a stronghold of the SPLM-IO since the outbreak of the 2013 conflict.

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‎This unfolding dispute highlights the fragile state of South Sudan’s unity government. While formed in 2020 under the revitalized peace agreement, many critical provisions including the integration of forces and preparations for elections remain stalled. The political standoff between the SPLM and SPLM-IO continues to challenge the peace process.

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‎As the situation develops, eyes remain on whether national leadership will intervene to resolve the political dispute and prevent further instability in Jonglei.

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