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 Reiterates Government’s Commitment to Peace and Development, Amid Flood Crisis, Kiir Promises to Fast-Track Juba–Bahr el Ghazal Road



President Salva Kiir Mayardit has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting Lakes State in overcoming current challenges and achieving lasting peace and development.

‎The President made the remarks on Friday after receiving a comprehensive report from Lakes State Governor Rin Tueny Mabor on the humanitarian and security situation in the state.

‎Governor Rin informed the President that widespread floods have devastated several counties, including Awerial, Rumbek East, Cueibet, and Wulu. The floods have destroyed farmland, displaced households, and affected thousands of livestock, which serve as a major source of income and food security for local communities.

‎Despite these challenges, Governor Rin said security in the state remains largely stable, with only a few isolated incidents of cattle raiding reported along the borders. 

He noted that these incidents remain a persistent threat to peace and livelihoods in the region.

‎The Governor also appealed for the resumption of construction on the Juba–Bahr el Ghazal road network, describing it as an economic lifeline for Lakes State and neighboring regions. 

He emphasized that the road project, once completed, would boost trade, improve movement of goods and services, and enhance access to health and education for communities along the route.

‎In response, President Kiir reassured the Governor that the government recognizes the importance of infrastructure in promoting stability and development. 

He pledged that his administration will take steps to ensure the timely completion of the road project, while also addressing humanitarian concerns brought on by the floods.

‎The meeting highlighted the government’s broader commitment to balancing peace, security, and development across South Sudan as the country prepares for its first general elections since independence.

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