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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From Conflict to Healing: Government Prints 40,000 Copies of Truth and Reparation Laws

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‎Juba, South Sudan 

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The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has taken a major step toward enhancing access to legal knowledge by receiving 40,000 printed copies of two foundational transitional justice laws. The handover was supported by the European Union. 

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‎Key Laws and Purpose

‎The two laws now in print are:

‎Compensation and Reparation Authority Act, 2024

‎Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing Act, 2024 

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‎These statutes underpin South Sudan’s process of healing and accountability after years of conflict. 

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The Commission for Truth, Reconciliation, and Healing (CTRH) is tasked with addressing root causes of conflict, promoting national dialogue, and guiding a path toward reconciliation. 

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The Compensation and Reparation Authority (CRA) will focus on delivering reparative support to victims. 

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‎The Handover & Significance

‎EU Ambassador to South Sudan, Pelle Enarsson, officially handed over the printed volumes to Justice Minister Dr. Joseph Geng Akech in Juba. 

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‎In his remarks, Dr. Geng emphasized the importance of making legal texts readily available to all citizens, stating:

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‎“This is an important step in making our laws accessible to every citizen and reaffirming our commitment to truth, reconciliation, and accountability.” 

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‎Ambassador Enarsson said the EU’s support is intended to promote transparency, accountability, and equal access to justice across South Sudan.  

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He characterized the printed distribution as a “milestone” in enabling citizens to engage proactively in peace and reconciliation efforts. 

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‎Background & Context

‎President Salva Kiir signed the two laws in November 2024, fulfilling a long-standing promise to institute transitional justice mechanisms, nearly a decade after the initial commitment. 

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‎The delay in adopting these statutes had drawn concern from civil society and international stakeholders who saw them as essential to addressing injustices from South Sudan’s civil conflicts, particularly since December 2013. 

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‎What This Means Going Forward

‎The printed laws will be disseminated to localities across South Sudan so citizens, civic groups, and legal practitioners can access them.

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‎These acts lay the legal foundation for mechanisms intended to foster accountability, reconciliation, and redress for victims.

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‎The move underlines the government’s stated commitment to transition from conflict to lasting peace and justice.

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