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...
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15 Killed in SSPDF–SPLA-IO Clash at Government Buffer Zone in Warrap State ‎

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‎Warrap State, South Sudan, 8 October 2025 

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At least 15 people have died and five others wounded in renewed fighting on the border of Athony, a government-designated buffer zone, according to local officials. 

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‎Clash Details & Casualties

‎Twic County Commissioner Mabior Marup confirmed that the confrontation began Monday evening and continued into Tuesday morning. 

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‎Initially, eight soldiers from both sides reportedly lost their lives. 

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‎By the following day, the conflict flared again, resulting in seven additional deaths, bringing the total to 15. 

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‎Among the fatalities: eight SSPDF soldiers, six SPLA-IO fighters, and one civilian caught in crossfire. 

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‎Five SSPDF soldiers were injured and are receiving treatment. 

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‎Trigger & Aftermath

‎Marup attributed the flare-up partly to heightened tensions around the ongoing high-profile trial of suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and eight co-accused.  

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He added that IO-aligned forces, after being driven from their positions, were pushed back, and additional government reinforcements have been deployed to the area.  By Tuesday afternoon, calm had largely returned. 

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‎SPLA-IO spokesperson Colonel Lam Paul Gabriel affirmed that the fighting had erupted between the SPLA-IO contingent of the Unified VIP Protection Force and the SSPDF, though he did not provide further details.  The government, for its part, has not yet released an official statement. 

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‎Athony had been designated a buffer zone under the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, intended specifically to prevent clashes by creating separation between opposing forces.  

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This incident marks a serious setback for the already fragile security environment in South Sudan, especially as peace implementation remains stalled and political tensions grow. 

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