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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Prosecution Explains Why Puot Kang Tops Nasir War Crimes Trial Not Dr. Riek Machar

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Prosecution Explains Why Puot Kang Tops Nasir War Crimes Trial Not Dr. Riek Machar


‎Juba, South Sudan 

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Prosecutors in the ongoing Nasir War Crimes Trial have explained why Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol is listed as the first accused while opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar appears fifth on the charge sheet.

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‎According to the Prosecution, Kang played a central role in financing and sustaining the March assault on Nasir, making him the lead suspect in the case.

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‎“The attacks were planned, funded, coordinated, and commanded by SPLA-IO commanders, financed by the 1st accused, Mr. Puot Kang Chol, and the 3rd accused, Manpal Duor,” prosecutors told the court.

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‎Why Dr. Riek Machar Is Fifth, Not First

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‎While Machar is accused of giving military orders, prosecutors say Kang’s financial network was the backbone of the operation, enabling the White Army militia and SPLA-IO fighters to launch the deadly four-day siege.

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‎This, they argue, makes Kang the primary suspect, with Machar facing charges as the fifth accused.

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‎The Alleged Atrocities

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‎The trial stems from the March 3–7, 2025 siege of the SSPDF garrison in Nasir. Prosecutors allege:

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‎Dozens of surrendered soldiers were executed.

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‎Some bodies were dumped into the Sobat River, others left unburied.

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‎When government troops retook the base in April, they found what was described as a “valley of bones.”

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‎Other High-Profile Defendants

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‎Gabriel Duop Lam (2nd accused)  allegedly coordinated operations from Juba.

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‎Manpal Duor (3rd)  accused of co-financing the assault.

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‎Gatwich Lam Puoch (4th)  MP whose immunity was lifted to face trial.

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‎Camilo Gatmai Kel and Madin Riek Yak (6th & 7th)  accused of roles in command and logistics.

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‎In total, seven senior figures are in the dock, while 15 others remain at large.

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‎Trial of Historic Weight

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‎The “Nasir Case” is one of South Sudan’s most consequential trials, targeting both politicians and generals for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

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‎The Prosecution has pledged to present phone records, WhatsApp chats, and video evidence to back its claims.

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‎Proceedings are expected to last several weeks as both sides battle over the country’s most closely watched case.

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SPLA-IO Accused of Detaining Civilian Boats, Demanding $4,000 Along Sobat River ‎

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