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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ππ‘π„π€πŠπˆππ† 𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐒: ππ‘π„π’πˆπƒπ„ππ“ πŠπˆπˆπ‘ π€πππŽπˆππ“π’ 𝐋𝐓. 𝐆𝐄𝐍. π‰π€πŒπ„π’ πŠπŽπ€ππ† 𝐀𝐒 πƒπ„ππ”π“π˜ πŒπˆππˆπ’π“π„π‘ πŽπ… 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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