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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SPLM-IO Confirms Release of Member Arrested During Dr. Riek Machar’s Trial in Juba

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‎Juba, South Sudan - October 9, 2025:

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The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) has confirmed the release of its member, Alfred Gatmai Koang, who was arrested by the National Security Service (NSS) on Wednesday during the ongoing trial of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and seven co-accused at Freedom Hall in Juba.


‎Arrest and Release Details

‎In a statement issued by SPLM-IO Youth League spokesperson Gattiek Wichar, Alfred Gatmai who serves as the Information Secretary of the SPLM-IO Caucus of Mayom County in Juba was released on Thursday afternoon, roughly a day after his detention.

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‎Wichar said Gatmai was arrested inside Freedom Hall while attending the high-profile trial of Dr. Machar, which has drawn significant political and public attention nationwide.

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‎“The national security didn’t provide any details surrounding his unlawful arrest,” the SPLM-IO statement reads. “Security officials insisted that Cde. Alfred Gatmai defied the search order while entering Freedom Hall an accusation which Alfred dismissed in its entirety.”

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‎SPLM-IO Reaction

‎Wichar confirmed that Gatmai is now in good health and safe condition, thanking those who intervened to secure his release.

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He, however, condemned what he described as an act of intimidation against SPLM-IO members peacefully attending public court sessions.


‎The opposition group reiterated its call for respect of civil and political rights during the ongoing judicial proceedings involving its top leadership.

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‎Background

‎The arrest came amid heightened tension surrounding the special court trial of Dr. Riek Machar and seven senior SPLM-IO officials. 

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The proceedings have been marked by tight security and restricted media access, sparking criticism from peace partners and civil society groups concerned about transparency and due process.

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‎Outlook

‎Political observers say incidents like Gatmai’s brief detention risk further straining relations between the SPLM-IO and government security institutions at a time when the peace process remains fragile ahead of the anticipated national elections.

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