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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‎South Sudan Court of Appeal Orders Retrial for Four Kenyans Serving 72-Year Sentences ‎

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Four Kenyans serving 72 yrs in Jail. 


‎Juba, South Sudan 

South Sudan’s Court of Appeal has set aside the convictions of four Kenyan nationals who had been serving 72-year prison sentences, ordering a retrial on corruption charges. 


‎Also read about: Civilians Flee Lakama’di as SSPDF Pursues NAS and SPLA-IO Rebel Group in Mundri East ‎

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Background: The Case and Original Verdict

‎The four men are, Anthony Mwadime, Boniface Muriuki, Ravi Ghadhda, and Anthony Keya were employees of Click Technologies in Juba. 

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They were arrested in May 2015 and charged with defrauding the South Sudan government. 

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‎In June 2016, the court convicted them for multiple offenses, including forging presidential seals, money laundering, and billing for undelivered equipment. Each was handed a 72-year sentence. 


‎More On Nasir: Video Clip: SSPDF Commander Col. Duoth in Nasir Dismisses Death Rumors, Says He Is ‘Alive and Well’


Click Technologies’ owner, John Ogou who was alleged to be involved in the scheme and is related by marriage to President Salva Kiir was sentenced to life imprisonment. 

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‎Appeal Decision & Retrial Order

‎The Court of Appeal ruled that the original trial failed to meet international standards of fairness, finding procedural irregularities and insufficient due process. 

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‎As a result:

‎The original convictions have been vacated.

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‎A fresh retrial has been ordered.

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‎The four Kenyans will remain in custody at Juba Central Prison during the retrial process. 

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‎Kenyan Government and Public Reaction

‎The accused have consistently claimed innocence, arguing they had no involvement in the alleged fraud and that their arrest and trial violated due process norms. 


‎Also read about: Breaking News: New CDF Orders Jonglei’s Red Belt Vigilante Group to Join SSPDF and SPLA-IO to Join Nearest SSPDF Barracks ‎


Their families and Kenyan civil society have lobbied Kenya’s government to intervene. 

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‎What to Watch: 

‎The new trial will be closely monitored to ensure fairness and transparency.

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‎Whether the Kenyan government will press for consular access or diplomatic intervention.

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‎Potential diplomatic implications between Kenya and South Sudan, especially in cooperation on judicial matters.

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