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...

President Kiir Calls on Governor Bim to Maintain Stability in Unity State



‎President Salva Kiir Mayardit met with Unity State Governor Riek Bim Top on Wednesday, where he received a full report on the current situation in the state. 

‎The meeting took place at the presidential office in Juba and focused primarily on security, governance, and efforts to unite communities in Unity State.

‎Governor’s Report on Unity State

‎Governor Bim informed the President that:

‎The overall security situation is calm, though there have been some isolated incidents which are being closely monitored and managed.

‎The state government is committed to peacebuilding, particularly in improving public order and fostering reconciliation.

‎Efforts are ongoing to unite diverse communities and ensure that citizens live in peace and harmony.

‎President Kiir’s Response

‎Praised Governor Bim for his leadership and commitment to peace and development in Unity State.

‎Instructed him to continue promoting unity and stability, urging that local leadership must work hand-in-hand with citizens.

‎Stressed the need for empowerment of the population, encouraging a spirit of cooperation and self-reliance among Unity State residents.

‎Key Outcomes from the Meeting

‎Recognition of progress in maintaining relative peace in Unity State.

‎Renewed directive to strengthen community engagement, reduce conflict triggers, and support local peace initiatives.

‎Emphasis on the role of state leaders in supporting national peace efforts as South Sudan prepares for upcoming political milestones.


Context

‎Unity State has been one of the areas most affected by past conflict and displacement. 

‎However, recent months have seen increased calm, allowing displaced persons to return and local administrations to focus on development and reconciliation. 

‎President Kiir’s meeting with Governor Bim signals a commitment from the top leadership to consolidate peace ahead of national elections and the end of the transitional period.

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