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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SPLM-IO Suffers Blow as Senior MP Defects to SPLM With 1,500 Troops

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A prominent member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) has crossed over to the ruling SPLM party, bringing with him a significant number of forces.

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‎Santino Upiu Madhieu, a Member of Parliament in the Council of States representing Western Bahr el Ghazal, announced his defection on Tuesday in Rooc Rooc Dong Payam, Jur River County.

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‎Madhieu, who also serves as Chairperson of the Council’s Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Committee, was received alongside five Major Generals and approximately 1,583 forces. 

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The group includes senior officers such as Maj. Santino Ubong Bol and Maj. Gen. Lino Uraya.

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‎His defection is seen as a political and military boost for the SPLM in Western Bahr el Ghazal ahead of the much-anticipated elections. 

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It also underscores the growing pressure within SPLM-IO ranks, which has faced internal challenges and recent waves of defections.

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‎Local leaders and SPLM officials in Jur River County welcomed the move, describing it as a “step toward unity and stability.”

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‎Madhieu has not yet given a detailed statement on the reasons for his defection, but sources close to him say he cited “the need for peace, development, and alignment with the ruling party’s national agenda.”

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‎The SPLM-IO has not officially commented on the defection.

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