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...

‎‎Army Orders -IO and White Army to Release Hijacked Boats or Face Aerial and Riverine Military Action ‎




‎Tensions are rising in South Sudan’s Jonglei and Unity states after the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) demanded the immediate release of hijacked boats seized by SPLA-IO fighters and White Army militias.

‎According to a statement issued Thursday, the SSPDF confirmed that eight boats including one belonging to the United Nations and another owned by a Sudanese businessman were forcefully taken at Adok Baar Port in Leer County. 

‎The boats were transporting passengers and goods when they were intercepted. Passengers were ordered off, and some crew members and civilians were reportedly held hostage, with ransom demands ranging from SSP 10 million to $50,000.

‎Labeling the incident as “piracy,” Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Dr. Paul Majok Nang warned of possible aerial and riverine military action if the vessels are not released immediately.

‎This development threatens to further destabilize the region, disrupt humanitarian operations, and inflame tensions between government forces and armed groups. 

‎This development comes at a time when peace efforts are already under pressure amid stalled political processes and community level violence.

‎Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.

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