Nasir Trial Adjourned as MP Gatwech Lam Puoch Begins Defense ‎

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‎The Special Court handling the Nasir incident has adjourned proceedings until Monday, June 15, after the third accused, MP Gatwech Lam Puoch, began presenting his defense. ‎ ‎Gatwech, a member of the National Legislative Assembly representing Nasir County, rejected allegations linking him to activities related to the Nasir incident.  ‎ He told the court that his actions were part of his constitutional duties as an elected representative and were aimed at reducing tensions in Nasir and Ulang counties. ‎ ‎The lawmaker said a press conference cited by prosecutors was intended to encourage dialogue, address rumors, and help prevent conflict rather than incite violence.  ‎ He maintained that he was fulfilling his responsibility to represent and speak on behalf of his constituents. ‎ ‎Gatwech also argued that the Nasir crisis should be viewed within the wider context of challenges facing the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, citing concerns raised by various political act...
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Opposition Pushback: NAS and SPLA-IO Claim Capture of Key SSPDF Base in Mundri East

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‎Opposition forces in South Sudan have claimed responsibility for seizing a government army garrison in Mundri East County, Western Equatoria State, following heavy fighting earlier this week.

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‎In a joint statement, fighters from the National Salvation Front (NAS) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) said they launched a dawn attack on the Kadi’ba garrison, killing at least 13 soldiers of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF). 

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The groups further claimed they captured several weapons, ammunition, and an armored personnel carrier (APC).

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‎Video footage released by the opposition appears to show jubilant fighters standing near the seized APC and weapons. 

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The NAS–SPLA-IO alliance said the operation was carried out in retaliation to what they described as “continuous incursions, harassment, and looting of civilians” by government troops in the area.

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‎Local officials have confirmed that clashes did occur but could not verify the opposition’s version of events. 

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Mundri East County Commissioner John Henry Ngalamu told the media that the situation remained tense, and a fact-finding mission had been dispatched to assess the impact. 

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Western Equatoria State Police Commissioner Philip Madut Tong also called for investigations into the incident.

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‎Attempts to reach SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.

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‎The attack comes at a politically sensitive moment, with SPLA-IO leader Dr. Riek Machar currently on trial for treason in Juba alongside seven senior officials. 

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The NAS, led by Gen. Thomas Cirillo, has never signed the 2018 peace agreement, while Machar’s SPLA-IO is officially part of the unity government but has recently shown signs of internal rifts.

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‎The reported capture of the garrison raises concerns of renewed instability in Western Equatoria, an area that has experienced repeated clashes between government forces and holdout opposition groups.

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