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...

Top Opposition General Joins Government Forces in South Sudan




‎A senior opposition army officer has left his group and joined the government army in South Sudan. Brigadier General Adnan Alex Boboya, who was part of the SPLA-IO (the main opposition army), said he has decided to support peace and work with the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), which is the national army.

‎Speaking in Yei River County, Gen. Boboya said, “I am doing this for the good of my people and my country. It is time for peace. We, as soldiers, should protect our communities, not fight them.”

‎Government army leaders welcomed him and encouraged other opposition fighters to stop fighting and talk about peace.

‎This comes just days after over 600 SPLA-IO soldiers also joined the government side.

‎But some people are worried that these changes could cause more problems for the peace agreement signed in 2018 between President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar. 

‎There are also reports that Riek Machar is being kept at home and not allowed to move freely.

‎Many South Sudanese are hoping these changes will lead to peace and unity, especially with elections expected soon.

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