Nasir Trial Adjourned as MP Gatwech Lam Puoch Begins Defense ‎

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‎The Special Court handling the Nasir incident has adjourned proceedings until Monday, June 15, after the third accused, MP Gatwech Lam Puoch, began presenting his defense. ‎ ‎Gatwech, a member of the National Legislative Assembly representing Nasir County, rejected allegations linking him to activities related to the Nasir incident.  ‎ He told the court that his actions were part of his constitutional duties as an elected representative and were aimed at reducing tensions in Nasir and Ulang counties. ‎ ‎The lawmaker said a press conference cited by prosecutors was intended to encourage dialogue, address rumors, and help prevent conflict rather than incite violence.  ‎ He maintained that he was fulfilling his responsibility to represent and speak on behalf of his constituents. ‎ ‎Gatwech also argued that the Nasir crisis should be viewed within the wider context of challenges facing the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, citing concerns raised by various political act...
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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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