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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JUST IN: President Kiir Dismisses Governor James Koang, Appoints Jacob Dollar Ruot as Upper Nile State Governor

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‎Juba, South Sudan 

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President Salva Kiir Mayardit has issued a Republican decree relieving Governor James Koang Chuol Ranley of his duties as the Governor of Upper Nile State.

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‎In the same decree announced Friday evening on South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), the President appointed Jacob Dollar Ruot Kon as the new Governor of Upper Nile.

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‎The reasons behind Governor Koang’s dismissal were not immediately stated, but political observers say the move comes at a critical time as the country prepares for its first elections since independence, amid ongoing tensions in parts of Upper Nile.

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‎Who is Jacob Dollar Ruot?

‎Jacob Dollar Ruot is a senior member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and has previously served in various government positions. His appointment is seen as part of Kiir’s ongoing political reshuffle aimed at consolidating leadership in key states ahead of the electoral roadmap.

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‎Upper Nile: A State Under Pressure

‎Upper Nile State has been a hotspot for inter-communal violence and conflict-related displacement over the past decade. 

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Analysts believe the new governor will face mounting pressure to stabilize the state, restore public trust, and ensure security before the polls.

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‎The region also plays a pivotal role in South Sudan’s economy, hosting vital oil fields and serving as a strategic link to neighboring Sudan.

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‎Political Reactions Expected

‎Governor James Koang, a former military commander, has long been a key political player in the Upper Nile power balance. His removal may spark political realignments within the state and possibly stir reactions from his supporters.

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‎The appointment of Jacob Dollar Ruot is likely to dominate national discussions in the coming days, as citizens await the new governor’s approach to peacebuilding, governance, and service delivery in the troubled state.

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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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