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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𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐊𝐢𝐢𝐫 𝐓𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐦

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JUBA, October 9, 2025 


President Salva Kiir Mayardit has directed the newly appointed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Dr. Paul Nang Majok, to spearhead comprehensive reforms within the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and ensure professionalism across all ranks.


Speaking during the official swearing-in ceremony held in Juba on Thursday, President Kiir urged Dr. Majok to uphold military discipline and steer clear of political interference, warning that the army must remain neutral and focused on safeguarding national sovereignty.


“The military must stay away from politics and serve the people of South Sudan with integrity and neutrality,” Kiir stated. “I expect the new Chief of Defence Forces to prioritise the welfare of soldiers and lead by example.”


President Kiir pledged full government support to efforts aimed at modernising the national army and improving the living conditions of the organized forces.


Dr. Paul Nang Majok replaces Gen. Dau Aturjong, who was relieved of his duties earlier this week. 


His appointment is seen as part of Kiir’s broader push to strengthen command structures and enhance professionalism within the defence establishment.


Observers say the directive marks a renewed commitment to reforming the security sector, a critical pillar in South Sudan’s peace implementation process.



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