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...

SSPDF and Agwelek Forces Capture New Fangak in Jonglei State ‎


SSPDF Soldier 

‎Government troops from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), backed by the Agwelek militia, have taken control of New Fangak (Phom) in Fangak County, Jonglei State, following a coordinated military offensive against forces loyal to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) and the White Army.

‎Major General Paromi Angui, the SSPDF operations commander and deputy commander of Agwelek forces, confirmed the capture, stating that the operation began on May 12 and resulted in the seizure of both New Fangak town and the Alel area to its south.

‎According to Gen. Paromi, government forces suffered minimal losses, with one soldier killed and a few others wounded. 

‎He claimed that the opposition suffered heavier casualties and reported the capture of two SPLA-IO fighters. He also noted that air power and river barges supported the operation.

‎Eyewitnesses and reports from the ground indicated that several houses were seen burning in New Fangak during and after the fighting. 

‎Most civilians had reportedly fled the area, but Gen. Paromi called on them to return, assuring them that unarmed civilians would not be harmed.

‎This development marks a major blow to SPLA-IO, as New Fangak has long been considered one of its strategic strongholds in Greater Jonglei. 

‎The SSPDF, with Agwelek’s support, now vows to continue military operations across Fangak County to neutralize remaining opposition and White Army elements.

‎The Agwelek militia, under the leadership of Gen. Johnson Olony, was partially integrated into the national army following a 2022 peace deal. 

‎Gen. Olony currently serves as assistant chief of defense forces for mobilization and disarmament.

‎The security situation remains tense, and humanitarian concerns are growing as displaced civilians seek safety amid fears of renewed violence in surrounding areas.

‎Stay with us for updates on this developing story.

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