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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Tensions Rise as SPLA-IO Officers Defect to Government Forces

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IO defectors and NSS Spokesperson. 

‎South Sudan’s political and military landscape is experiencing renewed tensions after the defection of 463 SPLA-IO personnel to the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF). The National Security Service (NSS) announced the move, stating that reintegrating the defectors into the government army is essential for stability and peace.

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‎David John Kumuri, NSS spokesman, emphasized the importance of this process, saying,

‎"This reintegration is key to reducing violence and ensuring security across the country."

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‎This marks the third mass defection of SPLA-IO members in recent weeks, following clashes in Nasir, Upper Nile State, last month. The opposition’s spokesperson, Col Lam Paul Gabriel, was unavailable for comment.

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‎Political Uncertainty Deepens

‎The defections come amid heightened political tensions, including the recent house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar, leader of the SPLM/A-IO. His confinement has sparked international concerns, with the United States and the United Nations calling for his release. Analysts warn that these moves weaken the opposition and further solidify President Salva Kiir’s military control.

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‎The fragile 2018 peace agreement between Kiir and Machar remains under strain due to delayed security sector reforms and unresolved political disputes.

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‎International Response & Mediation Efforts

‎Amid fears of escalating violence, African Union mediators have arrived in Juba to prevent a return to full-scale conflict. The United Nations has also raised alarms, warning that South Sudan stands on the brink of renewed war.

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‎The coming weeks will be critical as international actors push for diplomatic resolutions, while the opposition struggles to maintain its ranks in the face of defections and political pressure.

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‎Stay tuned for more updates on South Sudan’s evolving political landscape.

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