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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President Kiir Leads Nation in Honoring Late Pope Francis

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‎President Salva Kiir Mayardit joined thousands of faithful at St. Theresa Cathedral in Juba today to commemorate the life and legacy of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday.

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‎The solemn Mass, attended by political leaders, clergy, and hundreds of Christians, served as a moment of national reflection. President Kiir hailed the late Pontiff as a “steadfast friend” of South Sudan and praised his lasting contributions to peace and unity in the country.

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‎"His message of forgiveness, reconciliation, and harmony touched the hearts of many South Sudanese," said Kiir, recalling Pope Francis’s historic 2023 visit to Juba alongside other Christian leaders. "He left an indelible mark on our journey toward peace."

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‎Pope Francis has consistently advocated for peace in South Sudan, urging the country's leaders and people to embrace reconciliation and unity. 

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‎During his historic visit to South Sudan in February 2023, alongside leaders of the Anglican and Presbyterian churches, he called on political leaders to end violence and fulfill their commitments to the peace agreement. 

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‎The late Pope Francis, emphasized the importance of dialogue, forgiveness, and compassion to build a stable and prosperous future. 

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‎His message was particularly directed at promoting harmony among communities torn by years of conflict, encouraging a renewed commitment to justice and peace.

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‎The service was led by Archbishop Séamus Patrick Horgan, Apostolic Nuncio to South Sudan, who honored Pope Francis as a devoted servant of God and tireless advocate for global peace.

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‎Also speaking at the event, Dr. Justin Badi Arama, Archbishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church, called on citizens to uphold the values the Pope championed, urging South Sudanese to walk in love, unity, and reconciliation.

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‎The memorial service served not only as a tribute but as a renewed call for unity in a country still healing from years of conflict.

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