South Sudan: Is the R-ARCSS officially dead now? [The Mass Arrests of SPLM-IO – With rumoured more to come]

SPLM-IO’s Chief of Staff also D/Chief of Staff of R-ARCSS Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam is grounded, DISARMED and currently detained at BILPAM HQTRS in Juba, South Sudan by the SSPDF and SPLM/A regime of Salva Kiir’s soldiers” (…) “In addition to IO chief of staff Gabriel Duop Lam, the following persons are arrested;

  1. Koang Gatkuoth—D/CDF,
  2. Malual Biliew—D/DG for GIB, and
  3. Yay Dak—D/DG for ISB” (Lich TV, 04.03.2025).

Bad news from South Sudan. The Naath White Army of Nasir County is haunting J1 and the government itself. President Salva Mayardit Kiir and the Transitional Government is playing with fire here. As it alleges the arrested have been working in coordination with the White Army. That’s the speculation here and the escalation of violence in the Upper Nile State. Certainly, there is more at stake here.

The whole transitional government and the R-ARCSS agreement combined with all the other signed agreements between the parties. Those are all up in the air, as the SPLM-IO and other signatories are seeing the ramifications of these arrests. They are done to certain parties and Dr. Riek Machar must feel the pinch of it.

There are rumours that several of SPLM-IO leaders have gone into hiding. There is high tension and an alert. As the risks and the possibilities are endless right now. These sort of mass arrests and sudden detention of high-ranking officials are making things tense.

Again, we are seeing the significance of the prolonged transition and the lack of institutionalism in the Republic. As one conflict and one spark are creating all of this. The Naath White Army has made all this happening in Juba. They have been able to stifle and stop the prolonged agony and most likely put things into a tidal wave.

There was already question of the willingness to implement and even continue down the path of R-ARCSS. The Tumaini initiative in Kenya didn’t make it happen either. Which shows what sort of lack of will and lack of concern of the ones in office. They rather be transitional and be interim, than having to face the citizens and the republic in an election. These are people who captured power by the guns and doesn’t want to let it go.

There are rumours of lists created of IO who will be targeted and that’s why they have gone into hiding. Therefore, expect more and possible ramifications out of it. As the spark is now in motion. This one will be a showdown and is a sort of power play of J1. They will use the myth of Nasir and of the White Army as an excuse for all of it. We can just wonder if they can substantiate or give proper reasons for it all. As if the IO is in-charge and such of the White Army. A White Army that has cleverly trained itself and armed itself too. Therefore, the J1 cannot lie about that and think it will stick.

Let me end this with wise words of the incarcerated himself from 2019:

“It is impossible for the vehicle to cross River before building the Bridge. Likewise South Sudan Unity Government will not be on time simply because the provisions of the agreement were not implemented in letter and spirit.

I am always wondering when it come to formation of Unity Government, you will find all Regime members are always more than serious, but when it come to the implementation of peace agreement twice, you will always find the Regime members in Juba are playing a wargames that, can not take the Country forward” (Gabriel Duop Lam, 24.10.2019).

This is all happening because of the actions of the White Army. That is telling and how it is able to play J1. They have done this and now we all will see the ramifications of this. The government playing war-games and the detained already knew this years ago. Now it is back at it again and we can wonder what the outcome is this time around. Peace

Eswatini: PUDEMO – Not allowed to sing political songs or eat chicken

“State police officers followed members of eSwatini’s main and largest liberation movement, the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) to Moneni Ntangazethu Butchery after stopping their strategic meeting at SNAT Centre-Manzini on Saturday. The PUDEMO members were ordered not to sing political songs while eating meat at the butchery, Brian Sangweni, the PUDEMO Spokesperson confirmed to this Swaziland News while Police Spokesperson Senior Superintendent Phindile Vilakati declined to comment” (Swaziland News, 01.03.2025).

“The PUDEMO catering team left the cooking area at the SNAT centre on Saturday morning after King Mswati’s police violently ordered them to stop cooking. The team was preparing food for the party’s strategic meeting at the venue. One police officer by the name of Stukxi Dlamini was assigned to guard the cooking area. Later on, when they came back the catering team discovered that 2 packets of chicken portions were missing. This was confirmed by the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) National Organizing Secretary Siboniso Mkhabela” (Swaziland Democratic News, 02.03.2025).

The absolute monarch and his regime are blocking the People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) from holding a strategic meeting at the SNAT centre. That what went down this weekend.

The Kingdom is blocking PUDEMO from organizing and working. That is a deliberate action. As the authorities and the state is going after them. First, they weren’t allowed to hold a strategic meeting at SNAT. Secondly, the PUDEMO moved to the Moneni Ntangazethu Butchery, where they weren’t allowed to sing political songs. Therefore, PUDEMO was blocked from everywhere and wasn’t allowed to congregate. That’s the gist of things.

They blocked the venue and the planned meeting. So, when the party moved to a butchery. The authorities went after them as well. The party wasn’t allowed to strategize and eat chicken. They had to leave both places, and the state came with the big guns to go after them.

We the almighty king is allowed to do anything in his monarchy. That is well known, and vast spending sprees aren’t a secret either. The King appoints and keeps his court within his midst. The monarch doesn’t want anyone else to have a say or even hold any real power. Only his words matter, and his lifestyle is more important the lives of his citizens. That’s why he cannot have political parties or elected officials for that matter either. No, he needs to control his dominion and the acts of PUDEMO, and others are just troublemakers for him.

This is why the King, and his authorities has used force against his dissidents. That isn’t anything new. In the kingdom this is just another Saturday. We have seen it all before, but now the officers ate the chicken too. Peace.

Eswatini: People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) – A Fierce Condemnation of the Eswatini Royal Police’s Brutal Suppression of the People’s Voice (01.03.2025)

South Sudan: Sudan’s People’s Liberation Movement – In Opposition (SPLM-IO) – The SPLM/A-IO Persudes the Armed Youth to De-escalate Tension Along the Sobat River (01.03.2025)

South Sudan: South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) – SSPDF repelled River Convoy Attackers (28.02.2025)

South Sudan: The Naath White Army should worry J1

The recent skirmishes and battles in the Upper Nile state and in Nasir County should be a huge concern for the state. This is what happens when you are dismissing and are disregarding civilian outcry. That’s what is happening in the state and the negligence is why this is having a reaction.

Why the state should be worried about it, is when they are saying this about themselves:

“The Naath White Army (Jiec El Abiet) is not just a defense unit—it is the heartbeat of our people. We are self-trained, battle-hardened warriors who have mastered gunfights, sniper warfare, and strategic defense. We are hunters, raised to track and eliminate threats. We do not fear death because we were born to fight for our land” (…) “Nasir has always been a sanctuary, a fortress, a stronghold for those who seek refuge from oppression. Every major leader in South Sudan’s history has relied on Nasir—not because they loved it, but because they needed its strength. Now, we defend it for ourselves” (…) “No politician arms us. We arm ourselves. We are not mercenaries fighting for political gain—we fight for survival, for dignity, and for the future of our people. During the civil war, we captured entire regions. We took weapons from those who sought to destroy us. Today, we remain armed, vigilant, and ready” (…) “Nasir is defended by its sons. If you come for it, you will face the Naath White Army. And we do not forgive. We do not forget” (Mayang Tut Kuer, 19.02.2025).

The ones thinking this sort of conflict will die down quickly. That’s false, because the White Army is an entity created out of grievances and the needs of Nasir. They have a self-belief in the Nasir and will fight for it. That should sound the alarm, as this is one rebellion and one instance of people addressing political grievances with guns. Just like the comedian who started his rebel outfit last year. There are now visible and viable youths of a state willing to go into combat. They are doing that for their cause, because the state has left them behind.

We know the significance of Nasir in South Sudanese history. That’s an important place in the history and liberation of South Sudan. This everyone should acknowledge and that also reflected on the ideals of the fighters who are a part of the Naath White Army.

This isn’t a SPLM/A-IO versus SPLM/A. The White Army isn’t new, but it’s a proof that the Transitional Period and the lack of implementation has hurt the Republic. As the youths are only seeing it viable to take arms to answer to their government. Because they know letters or asking for proper representation won’t appear. Neither will the government defend or be there in their hour of need. That’s why they get recruited and becomes a part of the White Army.

This is a sign of a failure of J1 and the leadership of Juba. As they have had the time to listen to the pleas and ensure these youths a better future. Instead their only choice to get the state to see them… is to use arms and create insecurity.

The R-TGoNU needs to know their place. The SSPDF aren’t alone in this. Here is a bigger picture and lack of government services at fault. The youth doesn’t see any value in the government or whatever the state has to offer. So, they in the lack of future joins a para-military group and an armed rebellion. Because they don’t see the state as viable or have anything for them. That’s why they enlist and gets recruited to the White Army.

The answer of bringing gunships against armed civilians shows where the state is versus the Nuer grievances… this is causing conflict between Dinka and Nuer. That isn’t new either, but the transition should have settled this and ensured a peaceful co-existence. Therefore, the state should be concerned and act with caution. The warfare won’t bring the youth on its side. The youth need change and needs another choice. They are part of this because the loss of hope and loss of trust in the government. That’s why the Nuer youths has taken arms, instead of petitioning the state in other ways. This is because the government haven’t had any avenues for them and they know J1 wouldn’t listen to them either. It is tragic, but this is the bleak reality. This is a cause of insecurity, because the J1 and allies lingers in office. They aren’t building institutions but becoming the personification of the state themselves. Therefore, President Kiir and Vice President Machar needs to take a step and now listen to the youths of the Upper Nile. From there act upon their needs and not take it easy. Since these are willing to take up arms and go to the trenches. That shouldn’t be an option, but it’s the only one viable right now. Peace.

South Sudan: United People’s Alliance (UPA) – Press Statement (26.02.2025)

South Sudan: Minister of Cabinet Affairs – South Sudan’s transitional period has officially been extended for two more years starting tomorrow, February 22, 2025 (21.02.2025)

South Sudan: South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) – Press Statement on SSPDF Forces enroute to Nasir town (20.02.2025)

South Sudan: The sanctioned “Al-Cardinal” is sworn-in as a Vice President

“I am dedicated to advancing our economic agenda and working closely with H.E. to ensure South Sudan secures its rightful place in the region” – Vice President for Economic Cluster, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel (12.02.2025).

It is really amazing that Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, the in-law of the President Salva Kiir Mayardit is now sworn-in as a Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan. His now being ushered into the upper echelon of state and being prepared for a possible transition in the future. Though there is little to no trust that Kiir has any plans of ever relieving himself or having someone to be his successor.

With that in mind, the former Presidential Advisor and Envoy are now becoming an VP. A man who is sanctioned by the United States of America. This man has already been caught being corrupt and using his role as a way of enriching himself. That’s why he has at least two properties in Juba and one in Nairobi, Kenya.

The new VP has roles in four sanctioned companies, ABMC Thai-South Sudan Construction Company Limited (ABMC), Winners Construction Company Limited, HOME AND AWAY Ltd and ARC Resources Corporation ltd.

In addition to that, to ensure he got the ill-gotten gains he used alias to transfer transactions and funds between accounts. He has used phony names like “Ashraf Seed Ahmed Hussein Ali” and “Al-Cardinal”. There is also reports that he has used this alias too: “Kuol Akol Wieu”. These are all names on accounts and on paperwork to hide his ownership from companies, which has gotten government contracts and funding over the years.

We know now that President Kiir isn’t worried about his inner circle eating of the plate of the state. When he appoints and promotes the likes of Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel. A man who has no trouble to take profits for ill-gotten services on the behalf of the government. That is who is entrusted the second in command and being in close association with the President.

If there would be more corruption and grand corruption in the future. We shouldn’t be surprised why state funds would be siphoned and gone missing. He has been able to do so over the years and now he has become a higher-ranking official than before.

Time will tell, but it’s not long ago since 2017 when he was sanctioned by the U.S. and therefore, we can not avoid the fact and knowing what he has done in the past. The Sentry has investigated him and for a reason. Nevertheless, his familiarity and closeness to Kiir is more important than stealing some money, apparently. Peace.