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...

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



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.

‎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.

‎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. 

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

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

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

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

‎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.”

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

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