JUBA – Nasir County commissioner in Upper Nile State said on Sunday SPLA-IO soldiers have detained several boats traveling to Malakal on the Sobat River at Nyirol County in Jonglei State, after failing to pay $5,000 in unexplained taxes.
James Gatluak Lew Thiep said the boats are held at Yakuach Payam by the rebel group reportedly linked to the leadership of Hon. Nathaniel Oyet. The group allegedly demands a tax payment exceeding USD 5,000.
Citing reports, Thiep said the traders had already paid taxes to SPLA-IO forces in Mandeng, who permitted them to proceed with their journey.
“However, upon reaching Yakuach, the SPLA-IO group there—acting on orders allegedly issued by the SPLA-IO leadership in Addis Ababa—detained the boats, imprisoned the drivers and traders for four days, and demanded an additional USD 4,000,” the commissioner said in a statement.
The Sobat River is formed by the confluence of the west-flowing Baro River and the north-flowing Pibor River, on the border with Ethiopia. The river enters the White Nile at Doleib Hill and is a major transport route particularly in the rainy season.
Thiep said the group also indicated that further payments would be required at the local Payam level, potentially bringing the total amount demanded to over USD 5,000.
“Among those affected are patients en route to Malakal for medical treatment, as well as women and children. All are currently stranded in Yakuach due to the detention.”
Thiep added: “The two sisterly states are in coordination on this matter for an amicable solution since traders are part of community based organizations delivering the services to the citizens all over the country. They have nothing to connect with either SPLA IO or SSPDF and they must be treated as expected.”
Juba Witness has contacted SPLA-IO spokesperson Col. Lam Paul Gabriel for comment on the matter.
