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...
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New SPLM Secretary General and Deputy Ahead of Elections

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President Kiir. 

‎In a significant political shift ahead of South Sudan’s much anticipated general elections, President Salva Kiir has appointed Comrade Paul Logole as the new Secretary General of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), and Comrade Baba Medan as Deputy Secretary General.

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‎The announcement was made via state broadcaster SSBC, and it marks one of the most consequential changes in SPLM’s top leadership in recent years.

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‎Who Are the New SPLM Leaders?

‎Paul Logole  Secretary General

‎Paul Logole is a veteran SPLM figure known for his quiet discipline, organizational skills, and long term loyalty to the movement. 

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‎While not widely visible in the public eye, he has played key roles behind the scenes in party management and coordination. 

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‎As Secretary General, Logole will now be in charge of the day-to-day operations of the SPLM, including planning for the upcoming elections.

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‎Baba Medan  Deputy Secretary General

‎Baba Medan is a dynamic and youthful political leader who previously served as Minister of Information and as Governor of Jonglei State. 

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‎With strong support among young people and deep ties to grassroots communities in Greater Jonglei, his return to national party leadership is being seen as a strategic move to energize SPLM’s base and improve its appeal among youth.

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‎Why This Matters Now

‎This shake-up comes at a critical time as South Sudan prepares for its first national elections since independence in 2011. 

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‎The SPLM is seeking to show unity, stability, and readiness to lead the country into a democratic future.

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‎By bringing in a combination of experience (Logole) and youthful energy (Medan), President Kiir appears to be positioning the party for both organizational efficiency and mass appeal.

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‎These appointments also send a message to opposition groups: the SPLM is serious about campaigning and winning in the upcoming elections.

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‎What It Means for the Elections

‎1. With just months to go, the new SPLM leadership will face major tasks, including:

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‎2. Finalizing the party’s campaign strategy

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‎3. Mobilizing support across states and counties

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‎4. Communicating SPLM’s vision to the public

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‎5. Ensuring internal unity within the party ranks

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‎Their success or failure could significantly shape the outcome of South Sudan’s first major democratic exercise.

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‎Final Thoughts

‎While the appointments of Paul Logole and Baba Medan may seem like internal party moves, they carry major national implications. 

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‎As South Sudan navigates its political transition, these two leaders will play a central role in how the SPLM positions itself and whether it can truly lead the country into a peaceful and democratic future.


‎Stay tuned to Juba Wire for more updates and analysis as the road to elections unfolds.

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