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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‎Kenya’s President Ruto Assumes Chairmanship of COMESA, Pledges to Deepen Regional Integration

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‎Nairobi, Kenya 

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Kenya’s President William Ruto has officially taken over as the new Chairperson of COMESA (Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa), succeeding Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye. 

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The transition occurred during the 24th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit held in Nairobi on Thursday. 

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‎Key Highlights & Strategic Priorities

‎1. Leadership Transition & Summit Attendance

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‎President Ruto’s elevation comes at a critical time for regional integration efforts.

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‎The summit drew heads of state, government envoys, and representatives from the African Union and development partners. 

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‎South Sudan, while not a full member of COMESA, participates through the Regional Customs Transit Guarantee (RCTG) scheme. 

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‎2. Focus on Economic & Social Integration

‎In his inaugural address, Ruto emphasized narrowing economic and social divides across member states:

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‎“At the heart of our mission are our people and our shared determination to bridge the economic and social gaps that divide our region.” 

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‎His vision centers on ensuring that the gains of regional cooperation are equitably shared among citizens.

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‎3. Commitment to Equity and Inclusiveness

‎Ruto’s leadership pledge underscores a shift toward inclusion, justice, and more balanced development.

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‎By targeting inequalities, he aims to make COMESA’s benefits such as trade, infrastructure, and mobility accessible to all member countries’ populations.

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‎Implications & What to Watch

‎Trade & Investment Flows: Under Ruto’s chairmanship, we may see renewed efforts to reduce trade barriers and harmonize customs procedures across the COMESA bloc.

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‎Infrastructure & Connectivity: Enhancing physical and digital connectivity among member states may become a higher priority.

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‎Social Cohesion: Programs that address cross-border inequality, labor mobility, and shared services (e.g., health, education) might gain front-line status.

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‎South Sudan’s Role: Although a non-full member, South Sudan’s participation in the RCTG scheme positions it to benefit from improved trade facilitation policies.

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