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

-
Image
‎ 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...
Post a Comment

𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐊𝐈𝐈𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐒 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐆𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑 (TIGER DIVISION), 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐉. 𝐆𝐄𝐍. 𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐎 𝐁𝐀𝐀𝐊 𝐌𝐀𝐊𝐔𝐄𝐈

-


‎


‎President Salva Kiir Mayardit has dismissed General Philip Nyon from his position as Commander of the Presidential Guards Unit, commonly known as the Tiger Division, and appointed Major General Valentino Baak Makuei as his successor.

‎

‎The changes were announced through a Republican Decree read on state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) on Monday evening. 

‎

‎The decree did not specify the reasons behind the shake-up within the elite unit responsible for protecting the President and key state institutions.

‎

‎Maj. Gen. Valentino Baak Makuei’s appointment marks a significant shift in the leadership of one of South Sudan’s most powerful security organs. 

‎

The Tiger Division plays a central role in ensuring the safety of the presidency and maintaining stability within the capital, Juba.

‎

‎Gen. Philip Nyon, who had served as the unit’s commander for several years, was a close ally within the military establishment. 

‎

His removal comes amid ongoing efforts by President Kiir to restructure key security institutions ahead of the long-awaited general elections slated for December 2025.

‎

‎Security analysts say the appointment of Maj. Gen. Baak Makuei could be part of broader moves to reinforce loyalty within the armed forces and ensure command efficiency as the country prepares for a potentially sensitive electoral period.

‎

‎The Tiger Division, formed during the early years of independence, has often been at the center of major political and security developments in the country, including previous clashes within the capital.

‎

‎There has been no immediate comment from Gen. Philip Nyon or the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) General Headquarters regarding the reshuffle.

‎

‎Observers view this leadership change as another indication of President Kiir’s ongoing consolidation of control over key military units amid increasing political tension and peace implementation challenges.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

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

-
Image
‎ 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...
Read more

Governor Rabi Mujung Dismisses Juba City Mayor, Appoints New Leadership Team ‎

-
Image
‎Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony Mujung has made sweeping changes in the Juba City Council leadership, dismissing Mayor Johnson Swaka and his two deputies, Thiik Thiik and Juma Moses Michael. ‎ ‎In a gubernatorial decree issued on Friday, Christopher Sarafino Wani Swaka was appointed as the new Mayor of Juba City, taking over from the outgoing Swaka. ‎ ‎The new leadership team includes Jenifer Yabu Lasuba as Deputy Mayor for Administration and Finance, Lual Joseph Deng as Deputy Mayor for Social Services, and Stephen Lomude Martin as Deputy Mayor for Environment and Waste Management. ‎ ‎Governor Mujung said the changes are aimed at enhancing service delivery, strengthening city management, and improving coordination between the state government and the city council. ‎ ‎The reshuffle marks one of the most significant administrative shake-ups in Juba’s recent history, as the new team is expected to tackle persistent challenges such as waste management, urban planni...
Read more

SSPDF Airstrikes Hit SPLA-IO Positions in Jur River County (WBGS)

-
Image
‎ ‎Date: October 14, 2025 ‎Location: Jur River County, Western Bahr el Ghazal, South Sudan ‎ ‎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.  ‎ ‎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.  ‎ 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: ‎ ‎“We were shocked they are using airstrikes in civilian-populated areas We have left our homes I am quite sure ...
Read more