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...

Cueibet County Commissioner Arrested Amid Rising Political Tensions in Lakes State ‎


Former Commissioner of Cueibet County of Lakes State, Deng Mario Deng.


The Commissioner of Cueibet County, Deng Mario Deng, has been arrested in Rumbek, the capital of Lakes State, in a move that deepens political tensions between the SPLM-IO and the ruling SPLM party. 

‎Deng, a member of the SPLM-IO, was taken into custody shortly after he responded to a summons from Governor Rin Tueny Mabor on April 15.

‎Though Deng initially reported that he was free to move and retained his security detail upon arrival in Rumbek, his status changed dramatically by Wednesday, with his arrest now confirmed. 

‎The reason behind the commissioner’s detention has not been made public, and no official charges have been announced.

‎This arrest comes just days after several senior SPLM-IO officials, including Lakes State Deputy Governor Isaiah Akol Mathiang, were also detained by the National Security Service. 

‎The wave of arrests has raised alarms about the stability of the power-sharing agreement under the 2018 peace deal, particularly in states like Lakes where political divisions remain sharp.

‎Cueibet County, which Deng has led, is currently grappling with a surge in intercommunal violence. Earlier this month, deadly clashes between members of the Gok community in Cueibet and the Agar community in Rumbek left at least 14 people dead and 25 others injured. 


Deng's arrest now risks creating a leadership vacuum at a critical time for the county.

‎As of this writing, the SPLM-IO has not released an official statement regarding the arrest of their senior member. 

‎Observers fear this may escalate tensions further and undermine efforts to maintain peace and security in the region.

‎This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.

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