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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SSPDF (ARMY) Moves to Strengthen Security Along Juba-Bor Highway After Deadly Ambush

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‎Juba, South Sudan, October 9, 2025  

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The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has pledged to intensify security along the Juba-Bor highway, especially around Mogiri, following a fatal ambush that claimed at least one life. 

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‎Ambush Details & Impact

‎On Tuesday morning, two public passenger vehicles were attacked about 40 km from Juba, near the Mogiri junction. 

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One vehicle was “sprayed with bullets,” according to SSPDF spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang. 


 He confirmed that one passenger died in the attack, and another was wounded suffering a gunshot to the head or neck. The perpetrators remain unknown. 

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‎The Mogiri stretch has become a notorious “black spot” for such attacks, with multiple ambushes already recorded in the area. 

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‎SSPDF Response & Measures

‎Major General Lul emphasized that security will be beefed up along the highway, particularly in vulnerable sections, to deter further violence and protect civilian commuters.  

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Reinforcements of security forces are expected, though detailed deployment plans were not disclosed. 

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‎Significance & Broader Context

  • ‎The incident underscores the persistent insecurity facing road travelers in South Sudan, especially in conflict-affected regions.
  • ‎The highway linking Juba and Bor is a vital lifeline for trade, movement of people, and delivery of humanitarian supplies. Any disruption or danger along that route can have ripple effects on communities and commerce.
  • ‎SSPDF’s commitment to increased deployment may restore some confidence among the public, but success will depend on consistent surveillance, intelligence gathering, community cooperation, and accountability for attackers.

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‎What to Watch

  • ‎Will SSPDF reveal more details about the identities or motives of the attackers?
  • ‎Are there plans to involve local community security committees or use technology (e.g. drones, sensors) to monitor the highway?
  • ‎How quickly can reinforcements be deployed, and will they make tangible differences for travelers?

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SPLA-IO Accused of Detaining Civilian Boats, Demanding $4,000 Along Sobat River ‎

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