Nasir Trial Adjourned as MP Gatwech Lam Puoch Begins Defense ‎

-
Image
‎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...
Post a Comment

Abyei Official Praises Ngok and Twic Communities for Upholding Peace Amid Military Tensions

-

 


‎By Juba Wire| South Sudan News Watch | October 12, 2025

‎

‎The Abyei Administrative Area Information Minister, Youhana Akol, has praised the Ngok Dinka and Twic communities for maintaining peace and cooperation despite recent violent clashes between government forces in the region.


‎Also read: Breaking News: New CDF Orders Jonglei’s Red Belt Vigilante Group to Join SSPDF and SPLA-IO to Join Nearest SSPDF Barracks ‎

‎

Speaking to the media on Saturday, Minister Akol commended both communities for their resilience and commitment to peace, saying life has largely returned to normal across Abyei, Twic, and Wau despite ongoing tensions between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and SPLA-IO units.

‎

‎“Despite the events that have occurred so far, the movement is very smooth, and life has returned to normal between the two regions,” said Akol.

‎

‎Communities Choose Peace Over Conflict

‎Earlier this year, youth leaders from Twic County in Warrap State and the Ngok Dinka community in Abyei held a successful peace conference in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal State.

‎

‎The dialogue supported by the Ministry of Peacebuilding, UNMISS, UNISFA, and local peace partners led to the creation of a joint monitoring committee tasked with enforcing a cessation of hostilities and investigating any violations that threaten community stability.


‎Also read about; ‎Farmer Arrested for Killing and Injuring Cows in Crop Dispute in Rumbek East, Lakes State

‎

According to Akol, that framework remains crucial in sustaining calm and enabling freedom of movement for traders and civilians between the two regions.

‎

‎“We are seeing clear results of peace. People are moving freely, trading together, and cooperating in social and cultural activities,” Akol added.

‎

‎Call Against Hate Speech and Propaganda

‎Minister Akol also cautioned citizens, especially young people, against spreading hate speech, misinformation, and inflammatory online messages that could reignite conflict.

‎

‎He urged both communities to prioritize dialogue and tolerance, stressing that true reconciliation depends on grassroots cooperation rather than political manipulation or external influence.

‎

Also read about: Video Clips Showing: Thousands Displaced as Devastating Floods Submerge Fangak County


‎“We must reject divisive language and focus on peace and development. The progress we are seeing must not be destroyed by hate or propaganda,” he emphasized.

‎

‎Background: A Fragile but Promising Peace

‎The Ngok–Twic conflict has been one of the most sensitive intercommunal disputes in South Sudan, often fueled by border disagreements, cattle raids, and political interference.

‎

‎However, recent engagements between local leaders, youth groups, and peace facilitators have shown tangible progress toward rebuilding trust. 

‎

The praise from Abyei’s top information official reflects growing confidence that communities can sustain peace from the grassroots level even as national-level political and military tensions persist.

‎

‎Peace in Action

‎The calm between the Ngok and Twic communities is a positive sign for South Sudan’s wider peace process, especially as the country prepares for its first national elections since independence.


‎Also read about: Bright Stars Coach Nicolas Dupuis Apologizes to Fans After 5-0 Defeat to Senegal

‎

Observers believe the success of local peace efforts in Abyei could serve as a model for other conflict-prone regions, where community-led dialogue remains the strongest foundation for lasting stability.

‎

Key Takeaways

‎Abyei Information Minister praises Ngok and Twic communities for sustaining peace.

‎

‎Movement between Abyei, Twic, and Wau has resumed despite military clashes.

‎

‎Youth and local leaders continue to uphold the Wau peace agreement.

‎

‎Minister warns against hate speech and urges ongoing reconciliation.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

South Sudanese Lawyer Urges Authorities to Crack Down on Nightclubs Admitting Minors/Underage Girls in Juba

-
Image
‎A South Sudanese lawyer has called on the South Sudan National Police Service and the Juba City Council to summon owners and managers of hotels and nightclubs in Juba over reports that underage children are being allowed into entertainment venues. ‎ ‎The lawyer said the increasing presence of minors in bars, hotels, and nightclubs is worrying and requires immediate intervention from the authorities.  ‎ ‎The lawyer argued that such places are not suitable for children and could expose them to harmful influences. ‎ ‎The lawyer further urged law enforcement agencies and city officials to investigate the matter and ensure that businesses operating entertainment venues comply with the law.  ‎ According to the lawyer, owners who fail to prevent underage entry should be held accountable. ‎ ‎The appeal follows growing concerns from members of the public about children being seen in some nightlife spots across the capital.  ‎ The lawyer stressed that protecting young people shoul...
Read more

President Kiir Arrives in Aweil as Bahr el Ghazal Regional Tour Continues

-
Image
‎ ‎President Salva Kiir Mayardit arrived in Aweil on Tuesday, continuing his tour of the Bahr el Ghazal region aimed at engaging communities on key national issues. ‎Also read about:  Yigi Yigi Regains Freedom After Detention in Libya ‎ The President travelled to Northern Bahr el Ghazal State after completing visits to Warrap State, where he met residents in Kuajok and his hometown of Akon. ‎ ‎According to the Office of the President, the regional outreach tour focuses on discussions surrounding economic recovery, security, and development initiatives across the region. ‎ ‎President Kiir began the tour last week in Wau, the capital of Western Bahr el Ghazal State, before moving on to Warrap State and now Northern Bahr el Ghazal. ‎ ‎Upon arrival in Aweil, the President received a warm welcome from large crowds gathered at Madhol, located along the border between Warrap and Northern Bahr el Ghazal states.  ‎ Residents reportedly lined the roads from Wanyjok through Akuem, Ajaj, ...
Read more

President Salva Kiir Mayardit Renames University of Northern Bahr el Ghazal ‎

-
Image
‎President Salva Kiir Mayardit has announced the renaming of the University of Northern Bahr el Ghazal to the University of Aweil and directed the national parliament to formalize its status as a public university. ‎ ‎The announcement was made during the president’s visit to Aweil, where he pledged government support for higher education and institutional development in the region. ‎ ‎President Kiir instructed lawmakers to undertake the necessary legal procedures to ensure the newly renamed University of Aweil is fully recognized as a public university under South Sudan’s higher education framework. ‎ ‎The move is expected to strengthen access to higher education in Northern Bahr el Ghazal and enhance the university’s role in training skilled professionals to support national development. ‎ ‎Further details on the parliamentary process and implementation timeline are yet to be announced.
Read more