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.

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‎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.

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‎“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.

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‎He explained that the detained boat operators and traders were reportedly held for four days while armed men demanded more payments. 

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Some of the passengers were women, children, and patients traveling for medical treatment in Malakal, whose journeys were abruptly halted.

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‎Trade and Transport Disrupted

‎The Sobat River is a crucial economic and humanitarian lifeline linking remote parts of Upper Nile and Jonglei states. 

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Communities depend heavily on it for trade, food supply, and movement of goods and people. 

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The alleged detentions have therefore disrupted local commerce and caused distress among river communities.

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‎“Interfering with free river movement hurts ordinary people who are already struggling,” Commissioner Gatwech added, urging SPLA-IO leadership to intervene and restore normal passage for civilians.

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‎Unverified Claims and Pending Response

‎Eye Radio, which first reported the incident, noted that the allegations have not been independently verified. SPLA-IO officials are yet to issue an official statement in response to the accusations.

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‎If confirmed, the incident would highlight growing insecurity along key trade routes in Upper Nile and Jonglei, where local authorities have struggled to control the activities of armed groups and ensure civilian protection.

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‎Humanitarian and Political Concerns

‎Observers warn that continued harassment of traders could deepen local tensions, disrupt humanitarian deliveries, and undermine ongoing peace efforts in the region. 

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The Nasir Commissioner’s appeal comes amid repeated calls by community leaders for stronger coordination between government forces and SPLA-IO command structures to protect civilians along shared territories.

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‎What’s Next

‎Stakeholders are now awaiting SPLA-IO’s official response and possible investigation into the alleged extortion. 

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Humanitarian agencies operating in the area have also expressed concern that such incidents may complicate aid delivery to vulnerable communities along the Sobat corridor.