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

-
Image
‎ 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...
Post a Comment

SSPDF Begins Crackdown on Illegal River Nile Checkpoints ‎

-


Chief of (SSPDF), Lt. Gen. Paul Nang


‎The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) have launched a major operation to dismantle unauthorized checkpoints along the River Nile in a bid to curb illegal taxation and ensure safe navigation for traders and civilians.

‎

‎The crackdown, which begins from Juba in Central Equatoria and extends all the way to Malakal in Upper Nile State, is spearheaded by Lt. Gen. Theyip Gatluak TaiTai, Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony Thabo, and Lt. Gen. Marshal Stephen Babanen under the directive of the Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Paul Nang Majok.

‎

‎SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang confirmed the operation, stating, “The removal exercise starts from Juba, Juba County, Central Equatoria State, all the way to Malakal town, Makal County, Upper Nile State.”

‎

‎He emphasized that the goal is to eliminate illegal checkpoints that disrupt trade and burden river travelers. The River Nile remains a key transport corridor for goods and services in South Sudan, especially in areas with limited road access.

‎

‎However, the presence of opposition forces along the Nile, particularly those loyal to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), may complicate the SSPDF’s efforts. 

‎

‎According to reports, many of the illegal checkpoints are manned by forces affiliated with SPLA-IO leader and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, who is currently in Juba.

‎

‎Civil society groups have expressed mixed feelings about the operation. Ter Manyang Gatwech, Executive Director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy, welcomed the initiative but remained skeptical about its impact.

‎

‎“I don’t think the order is going to be effective, though it is a good move because people are concerned about what is going on in the country,” Gatwech said.

‎

‎International and Regional observers say similar attempts in the past have failed due to poor coordination between the SSPDF and opposition forces, and the lack of full implementation of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement, which calls for unified command structures and joint security arrangements.

‎

‎With elections approaching and peace processes facing delays, the success of this campaign could serve as a test of the transitional government’s commitment to restoring order and boosting economic recovery.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SSPDF Airstrikes Hit SPLA-IO Positions in Jur River County (WBGS)

-
Image
‎ ‎Date: October 14, 2025 ‎Location: Jur River County, Western Bahr el Ghazal, South Sudan ‎ ‎The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) launched pre-dawn airstrikes today against positions held by the SPLA in Opposition (SPLA-IO) in Jur River County, prompting panic among local residents who fled their homes in fear of escalating violence.  ‎ ‎Strikes in Kuanya & Jebel Teak ‎According to witnesses, the bombing began around 3:00 a.m. in the Kuanya area, targeting territory under opposition control.  ‎ Read:  Video Showing Over 1,000 SPLA-IO Fighters Defect to SSPDF in Ayod County Some residents believe the strike may have been aimed at the home of SPLA-IO General Bol Wek, who was wounded in a previous engagement.  ‎A displaced man, speaking anonymously, described scenes of confusion and terror as families fled Jebel Teak and surrounding villages: ‎ ‎“We were shocked they are using airstrikes in civilian-populated areas We have left our homes I am quite sure ...
Read more

From Conflict to Healing: Government Prints 40,000 Copies of Truth and Reparation Laws

-
Image
  ‎Juba, South Sudan  ‎ The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has taken a major step toward enhancing access to legal knowledge by receiving 40,000 printed copies of two foundational transitional justice laws. The handover was supported by the European Union.  ‎ ‎Key Laws and Purpose ‎The two laws now in print are: ‎Compensation and Reparation Authority Act, 2024 ‎Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing Act, 2024  ‎ ‎These statutes underpin South Sudan’s process of healing and accountability after years of conflict.  ‎ The Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing (CTRH) is tasked with addressing root causes of conflict, promoting national dialogue, and guiding a path toward reconciliation.  ‎ The Compensation and Reparation Authority (CRA) will focus on delivering reparative support to victims.  ‎ ‎The Handover & Significance ‎EU Ambassador to South Sudan, Pelle Enarsson, officially handed over the printed volumes to...
Read more

Battle Over Evidence in Dr. Riek Machar Court Case Intensifies in Juba ‎

-
Image
President Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar  ‎JUBA, South Sudan ‎ A fierce legal battle has erupted in Juba as the special court trying First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and seven senior SPLM/A-IO officials faces heated disputes over key evidence, including the seizure of mobile phones and laptops. ‎Court Extends Mandate Amid Legality Dispute ‎The Special Court on the Nasir Incident, initially mandated for one month, has officially extended its operations following the expiry of its term on October 8. ‎ Read:  South Sudan on the Edge of Full-Scale War ‎ ‎ Presiding judge James Alala Deng ruled to prolong the court’s authority until the trial concludes rejecting the defense’s motion that challenged both the court’s legality and jurisdiction. ‎ ‎The trial, which opened on September 22, 2025, stems from a March assault on an SSPDF base in Nasir County, where General David Majur Dak and several soldiers were killed. ‎ ‎Who Are the Accused? ‎Dr. Machar, 73, faces serious charges alongsid...
Read more