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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Dr. Lomuro Urges Banks to Stop Denying Loans to South Sudanese Entrepreneurs ‎

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Cabinet Affairs Minister Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro. 


‎Juba, South Sudan, October 11, 2025

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‎Cabinet Affairs Minister Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro has called on commercial banks operating in South Sudan to end what he described as unfair and discriminatory practices of denying loans to South Sudanese entrepreneurs while extending credit facilities to foreigners.

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‎Speaking during the launch of the country’s first Interbank Payment and Settlement System in Juba, Dr. Lomuro expressed concern that local business owners and young professionals continue to face barriers when seeking financial support from banks.

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‎“Our own people cannot access loans to build homes or start businesses, yet foreigners are being given credit with ease,” Dr. Lomuro said. “This must stop if we are to build a sustainable economy for South Sudan.”

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‎The senior minister said the reluctance of banks to finance South Sudanese-owned enterprises has become a major obstacle to economic growth and job creation. 

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He emphasized that empowering local entrepreneurs through affordable loans would help the country achieve self-reliance and reduce dependency on foreign investors.

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‎Dr. Lomuro further urged the Central Bank of South Sudan to strengthen its oversight role and ensure that financial institutions operate within the country’s legal framework. 

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He noted that weak enforcement and poor regulation have allowed some banks to prioritize profit over national interest.

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‎“The Central Bank must hold these institutions accountable. South Sudanese citizens have a right to benefit from their own financial system,” he added.

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‎The newly commissioned Interbank Payment and Settlement System, according to the Central Bank, is expected to modernize transactions, enable real-time payments, and enhance transparency within the banking sector. 

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Officials say the reform will also improve financial inclusion and support government efforts to stabilize the economy.

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‎Economic analysts believe Dr. Lomuro’s remarks reflect growing frustration among South Sudanese entrepreneurs, many of whom have long complained about being sidelined by financial institutions that view them as high-risk borrowers.

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‎The minister’s call comes as South Sudan works to strengthen its financial systems, promote private sector development, and attract investment ahead of the long-awaited national elections.

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