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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South Sudan Denies Expelling U.S. Ambassador, Dispels Embassy Closure Rumors

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Foreign Ministry spokesperson Amb. Apuk Ayuel Mayen


South Sudan’s Foreign Ministry has firmly denied social media rumors claiming the expulsion of U.S. Ambassador Michael J. Adler and the closure of its embassy in Washington, D.C.


Foreign Ministry spokesperson Amb. Apuk Ayuel Mayen labeled the reports as “entirely without merit,” confirming that Ambassador Adler remains fully accredited and in active diplomatic engagement with Juba. 


The new Foreign Minister, Monday Semaya K. Kumba, reportedly met with Adler on Saturday to reaffirm bilateral ties.


“Our embassy in Washington is open and operational,” Mayen stated, adding that the government values its relationship with the United States and is committed to strengthening cooperation.


The clarification follows rising diplomatic tensions after South Sudan initially rejected a U.S. deportation, claiming the individual was Congolese. 


Though Juba later acknowledged the deportee’s nationality, Washington upheld a visa freeze on South Sudanese nationals—raising concerns for those under temporary protected status in the U.S.


The government’s prompt denial of the expulsion rumors appears aimed at maintaining diplomatic stability and calming public concern amid ongoing U.S.-South Sudan strains.


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