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...
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𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒: 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐊𝐈𝐈𝐑 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐋𝐓. 𝐆𝐄𝐍. 𝐉𝐀𝐌𝐄𝐒 𝐊𝐎𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐒 𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐔𝐓𝐘 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐃𝐄𝐅𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄

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‎President Salva Kiir Mayardit has appointed Lt. Gen. James Koang Chuol Ranley, the former Governor of Upper Nile State, as the new Deputy Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs.

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‎The presidential decree was broadcast on South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) on Monday evening, ending nearly two years of vacancy in the position.

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‎The office of the Deputy Minister of Defence has remained unfilled since 2023, when President Kiir transferred the Defence Ministry portfolio from the SPLM-IO to the SPLM, following the dismissal of then-Minister Angelina Teny a move that sparked political controversy and strained relations between the peace partners.

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‎Although the Revitalized Peace Agreement stipulates that the Deputy Minister’s post should be occupied by an SPLM-IO nominee, the opposition group led by Dr. Riek Machar boycotted the appointment, accusing President Kiir of violating the power-sharing arrangement by unilaterally reshuffling the ministry.

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‎Lt. Gen. Koang’s appointment is seen as a major political statement symbolizing President Kiir’s decision to move forward with filling critical national security positions despite the continued disagreements with his coalition partners.

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‎Gen. Koang, a veteran military officer and former senior commander in the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), has previously held key positions in both the government and opposition ranks. 

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Before his recent dismissal as Governor of Upper Nile, he played a central role in stabilizing the volatile region amid recurring intercommunal violence.

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‎Political observers view his redeployment to the Defence Ministry as an attempt by President Kiir to strengthen control and balance within the national army’s leadership ahead of the December 2025 general elections.

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‎Meanwhile, the SPLM-IO has not issued an official reaction to the appointment. Analysts warn the move could reignite tensions between the two main peace partners if not handled through dialogue and consultation under the framework of the peace deal.

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‎The Ministry of Defence remains one of the most strategic institutions in South Sudan, overseeing security operations, army restructuring, and the ongoing unification of forces under the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.

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‎Lt. Gen. Koang’s appointment adds a new chapter to the evolving political landscape as Juba prepares for elections amid calls for renewed commitment to the peace roadmap and full implementation of security reforms.

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SPLA-IO Accused of Detaining Civilian Boats, Demanding $4,000 Along Sobat River ‎

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