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 Soldiers Kill 2 Civilians in Cueibet, Sparking Revenge Attack By Local Youths

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SSPDF 


‎Date: October 10, 2025

‎Location: Cueibet County, Lakes State, South Sudan

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‎Cueibet, Lakes State Two civilians were fatally shot by members of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) in Cueibet County late Thursday night, a government official confirmed Friday. 

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The killings triggered a retaliatory armed attack by local youth, resulting in the death of one soldier. 

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‎Sequence of Events

‎According to William Koji Kerjok, the acting State Minister of Information, the incident unfolded after a military officer reported being “surrounded” and requested assistance. 

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When responding SSPDF units arrived, they encountered a gathering of more than 40 armed youth, and an exchange of gunfire ensued. Kerjok said:


‎“In the process, two of these armed youth were killed.”

‎“When the soldiers returned to their base, the armed youth attacked in retaliation, killing one soldier.” 

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‎The state government says the situation is now “contained” and that security forces are actively patrolling the area. 

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The officer who made the initial call (a Major) and the homeowner where the youth had assembled have both been arrested, and a full investigation into the incident has been launched. 

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‎Conflicting Local Accounts

‎Local youth representatives contest the official version. Chol Deng, a youth leader in Cueibet, claims the two deceased civilians were unarmed and dining at around 10 p.m. in their family compound when soldiers, led by Capt. 


Panachuol, entered and opened fire without warning. He also alleges a dispute erupted with the homeowner prior to the shooting. 

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‎Deng further asserts that the youth presence in the town was protective not offensive meant to guard a local chief amid longstanding inter-communal tensions. He identifies the victims as Chol Dut Ruai and his nephew Makuer Yom Dut Ruai. 

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‎Colonel Panachuol is said to be a relative of Rin Tueny Mabor, Governor of Lakes State. 

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‎State Security & Regional Implications

‎Lakes State has been prone to periodic violence tied to cattle raiding, land disputes, and communal conflict. 


‎The government’s declaration that it will investigate "why they are in the town" suggests scrutiny over whether the youth had legitimate grounds to be armed or whether their presence was misconstrued. 

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‎At the national level, this episode underscores the fragile balance between military authority, civilian protection, and community tensions in South Sudan’s volatile regions.

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