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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Attack on Juba-Bor Highway Leaves Two Wounded, Triggers Calls for Security Reforms

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‎Date: October 7, 2025

‎Location: Between Bilyaang and Mogiri, Juba County, Central Equatoria, South Sudan

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‎Gunmen ambushed a public passenger vehicle traveling from Bor (in Jonglei State) toward the capital Juba on Tuesday morning along the Juba-Bor highway, injuring two passengers and intensifying pressure to relocate a local cattle market seen as a security risk. 

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‎What Happened

‎The attack occurred between Bilyaang and Mogiri in Central Equatoria. 

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‎The assailants targeted a vehicle carrying over 10 passengers. They looted money and luggage from passengers, forcing many to flee into nearby forested areas. 

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‎Two victims sustained head and shoulder injuries; their condition is reported to be stable. They were evacuated to Juba for medical treatment. 

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‎The remaining passengers, who hid during the assault, were later located and found unharmed. 

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‎Reigniting Long-Standing Demands

‎This assault has reignited demands by the Drivers’ Union in Jonglei State to relocate the Mogiri cattle auction market, which union leadership alleges attracts criminal elements preying on highway travelers. 

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‎“The market keeps criminals who attack the travelers each time they come off their cattle,” said Deng Jool, chairman of the Drivers’ Union. 

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‎Union leaders urge both the Central Equatoria State government and national authorities to select a safer location for the market, preferably one where arms are prohibited. 

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‎Official Response & Gaps

‎The national police spokesperson, Gen. James Monday Enoka, said he was not yet aware of the incident and was awaiting an official report. 

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‎Authorities in Central Equatoria have not responded publicly at the time of reporting. 

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‎State officials have previously stated that the Mogiri site was never formally designated for livestock trading, contributing to weak security oversight in the area. 

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‎Broader Implications & Reactions

‎Civil society groups condemned the ambush, linking it to South Sudan’s fragile peace environment under the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). 

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‎Ter Manyang Gatwech, executive director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy, remarked:

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‎“Such incidents are not acceptable… the main goal of R-ARCSS is to restore peace and security across the country.” 

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‎What to Watch

  • ‎Will the authorities act on the union’s demands to relocate the Mogiri market?
  • ‎Can enhanced security measures be deployed along the Juba-Bor highway to protect traveling civilians?
  • ‎Will this attack influence momentum (or setbacks) in implementing South Sudan’s peace agreement?

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