Nasir Trial Adjourned as MP Gatwech Lam Puoch Begins Defense ‎

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‎The Special Court handling the Nasir incident has adjourned proceedings until Monday, June 15, after the third accused, MP Gatwech Lam Puoch, began presenting his defense. ‎ ‎Gatwech, a member of the National Legislative Assembly representing Nasir County, rejected allegations linking him to activities related to the Nasir incident.  ‎ He told the court that his actions were part of his constitutional duties as an elected representative and were aimed at reducing tensions in Nasir and Ulang counties. ‎ ‎The lawmaker said a press conference cited by prosecutors was intended to encourage dialogue, address rumors, and help prevent conflict rather than incite violence.  ‎ He maintained that he was fulfilling his responsibility to represent and speak on behalf of his constituents. ‎ ‎Gatwech also argued that the Nasir crisis should be viewed within the wider context of challenges facing the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, citing concerns raised by various political act...
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SSPDF Airstrikes Hit SPLA-IO Positions in Jur River County (WBGS)

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‎Date: October 14, 2025

‎Location: Jur River County, Western Bahr el Ghazal, South Sudan

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‎The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) launched pre-dawn airstrikes today against positions held by the SPLA in Opposition (SPLA-IO) in Jur River County, prompting panic among local residents who fled their homes in fear of escalating violence. 

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‎Strikes in Kuanya & Jebel Teak

‎According to witnesses, the bombing began around 3:00 a.m. in the Kuanya area, targeting territory under opposition control. 

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Read: Video Showing Over 1,000 SPLA-IO Fighters Defect to SSPDF in Ayod County


Some residents believe the strike may have been aimed at the home of SPLA-IO General Bol Wek, who was wounded in a previous engagement. 


‎A displaced man, speaking anonymously, described scenes of confusion and terror as families fled Jebel Teak and surrounding villages:

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‎“We were shocked they are using airstrikes in civilian-populated areas We have left our homes I am quite sure our properties will be looted.” 

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Read: Machar’s Defense Declares Juba Special Court Illegal: Court Mandate Expired, Demands His Immediate Release

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He called on government troops to avoid civilian areas and confine military operations to opposition camps. 

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‎Official Responses & Conflicting Claims

‎The SSPDF confirmed that an operation had taken place in SPLA-IO territory, but provided no details on casualties or damage. Major General Lul Ruai Koang said he was awaiting field reports. 

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‎SPLA-IO sources acknowledged the attack on Kuanya but denied suffering losses. Colonel Lam Paul Gabriel attributed the strike to renewed government aggression following clashes last month. 

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Read: Rebel Forces and RSF Forces Regroup Near Sudan Border, South Sudan Officials Warn ‎


He also reiterated that General Bol Wek is recovering from a leg injury sustained in a late-September confrontation. 

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‎Security, Fear & the Fragile Peace

‎In the town of Wau, rumors and uncertainty have stoked fear among residents and local civil society actors. Robo Stephen, a Wau-based activist, warned that the lack of credible information and restricted access for NGOs exacerbate tensions. He urged transparency and a return to dialogue. 

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‎Stephen cautioned that South Sudan, which has already struggled with implementing its 2018 peace agreement, cannot afford to slide back into broad-scale conflict. 

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


A further blow to stability came recently: SPLA-IO leader and First Vice President Riek Machar is currently on trial in Juba on charges including treason, adding fresh strain to the already fragile unity. 

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