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 Updated on South Sudan’s Participation in 2025 World Bank and IMF Spring Meetings ‎




‎President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Wednesday received a comprehensive briefing from senior government officials regarding South Sudan’s recent participation in the 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which took place in Washington, D.C., United States.

‎The update was delivered by Vice President and Chairperson of the Economic Cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, who attended the meetings along with other top officials, including the Minister of Finance and Planning, Dr. Marial Dongrin Ater. 

‎The briefing centered on South Sudan’s economic performance, opportunities for recovery, and strategies for international engagement.

‎Dr. Marial Dongrin Ater told the President that the South Sudanese delegation presented the country's latest economic outlook, which included government initiatives aimed at restoring economic stability and boosting growth after years of crisis. 

‎He said the government is committed to implementing reforms that will place the country on a path toward more inclusive and sustainable development.

‎The Finance Minister further explained that the delegation held several high-level engagements with international partners, including U.S. government officials, representatives from global financial institutions, and private sector stakeholders. 

‎These meetings focused on strengthening bilateral relations, improving access to financial support, and encouraging foreign investment in critical sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and mining.

‎According to Dr. Ater, South Sudan used the platform to showcase investment ready projects and call upon international entrepreneurs to explore the vast economic potential the country offers. 

‎He noted that the delegation received positive feedback from investors and development partners, many of whom expressed interest in engaging with South Sudan through both public and private sector channels.

‎In response, President Kiir expressed his satisfaction with the outcomes of the meetings and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting economic growth and development. 

‎He emphasized the importance of creating a stable, transparent, and welcoming environment for investors—both domestic and international.

‎"Economic growth is not only about numbers and policies," the President stated. "It is about creating real opportunities for our people, reducing poverty, and building a nation that can sustain itself for generations to come. Our doors are open, and we are ready to work with anyone who shares our vision for a prosperous South Sudan."

‎The President also directed the economic cluster and relevant ministries to continue engaging with international financial institutions and development partners to ensure the successful implementation of the government’s economic recovery programs.

‎The 2025 Spring Meetings of the World Bank Group and the IMF brought together global leaders, finance ministers, central bank governors, and key stakeholders to discuss issues affecting global economic stability, development financing, and poverty reduction. 

‎South Sudan’s participation reflects its efforts to reintegrate into the global economic community and secure partnerships that will drive growth and resilience.

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