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 Fires Lam Akol, Appoints Rizik Zachariah as New Minister of Transport

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‎President Salva Kiir Mayardit has dismissed Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin from his position as the Minister of Transport and appointed Hon. Rizik Zachariah Hassan as his replacement in a presidential decree read on the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) on Tuesday evening.

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‎The decree did not specify reasons for Dr. Akol’s removal, but political analysts say the change comes amid mounting concerns over inefficiency and internal wrangles within the Ministry of Transport, particularly over the management of infrastructure projects and transport safety reforms.

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‎Rizik Zachariah, who previously served as the Governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal State, is a seasoned politician and close ally of President Kiir. 

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His appointment is seen as part of a wider government reshuffle aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring loyalty within key ministries as South Sudan heads toward the anticipated national elections.

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‎Dr. Lam Akol, a veteran opposition figure and leader of the National Democratic Movement (NDM), was appointed to the unity government under the 2018 peace agreement. 

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His dismissal could stir political ripples within the opposition camp, given his influential role in the peace implementation process.

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‎The new Minister of Transport, Rizik Zachariah, is expected to prioritize the rehabilitation of major road networks, streamline air and river transport systems, and oversee new infrastructure projects vital to economic recovery and national connectivity.

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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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SSPDF Airstrikes Hit SPLA-IO Positions in Jur River County (WBGS)

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