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...

‎Uganda Seizes Dr. Garang’s Personal Archives at Entebbe: Two Smugglers Arrested




‎Entebbe, Uganda 

Ugandan security agencies have confiscated the personal archives of the late South Sudanese liberation leader, Dr. John Garang de Mabior, during an attempt to transport them out of the country. 

‎The seizure took place at Entebbe International Airport on Sunday, when a British-German citizen and a Ugandan national were arrested along with the archival material. 

‎What Happened

‎The two individuals were intercepted as they tried to take the documents to South Africa. 

‎Among the archives were Dr. Garang’s letters and other personal materials. 

‎The suspects reportedly claimed to be in possession of letters authorised by Mabior Garang, Dr. Garang’s son, which would permit the shipment. However, Mabior has not issued any public statement about the matter so far. 

‎The Kampala Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrests and that homes of those involved were searched. 

‎Background

‎Dr. John Garang de Mabior was a central figure in South Sudan’s fight for independence. 

He led the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) and served briefly as Vice President under the Government of National Unity established after the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). 

Dr. Garang died in a helicopter crash in July 2005 while returning from a meeting with Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. 

‎Implications & Reactions

‎The intended recipient of the archives is said to be the Thabo Mbeki Foundation in South Africa. 

‎There is concern about ownership, legal authority, and the transparency of archival materials of such historical significance. 

The alleged authorisation by Mabior Garang adds another layer of complexity.

‎Dr. Garang’s son has remained publicly silent, raising questions among observers about whether the materials were being moved with endorsement or without full consent.

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