Nilewatch Media

Dr. Bak Barnaba Chol breaks the silence on the incident sparks online

His post reads:

𝐈 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧.

First and foremost, I would like to assure my family, friends, colleagues, and the citizens of our country that I am physically and mentally well. I have not been subjected to any harm or torture. I am in stable condition, except for a slight ankle injury resulting from a dislocation sustained during yesterday’s commotion.
I am currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital, the name of which I have chosen not to disclose for security reasons.

There have been circulating reports suggesting that I was attempting to escape the country due to alleged corruption-related charges, and that I was apprehended as part of a broader list of officials targeted for arrest. I categorically state that I have not been served with any warrant of arrest, and to the best of my knowledge, my name is not among any list of individuals wanted by the authorities.

My presence in Nimule was not an attempt to flee. It was a normal and lawful trip. I had sought and obtained permission to travel for medical treatment in Uganda. While en route, I intended to conduct a brief business survey in Nimule before proceeding across the border for treatment.

As is customary at the point of entry into Uganda, a physical inspection was conducted. During this process, officers found that I was carrying a sum of money, which they proceeded to confiscate. I requested clarification for such action, unfortunately, this led to a misunderstanding and a tense exchange. In the confusion that followed, I left the scene, during which I sustained the ankle dislocation.

I want to reiterate that I am currently under medical care and focusing on recovery. Once I am fully stabilized and fit to move comfortably, I will return to my residence.

For those seeking further clarification, my wife, Asunta, who visited me today, is aware of the circumstances and may be contacted directly. Kindly note that my phones were lost during yesterday’s incident, and I am presently unreachable via direct calls or WhatsApp.

I remain committed to transparency and to upholding my dignity and the rule of law. I thank all those who have expressed concern and solidarity during this time.

Dr. Bak Barnaba Chol
Former Minister of Finance and Planning
Juba, South Sudan

S*X SPORT INTRODUCED IN SWEDEN

As unbelievable as it may seem, Sweden has declared s*x an official sport and has even launched the first competition evaluated by a panel of judges.

The couple’s chemistry, their understanding of s*x, their level of endurance, and other vital characteristics will be taken into account when deciding who comes out the winner of a s*x tournament that will have its own audience.

The Swedish S*x Federation had been trying for some time to establish this new sport, so they were very pleased with the achievement and welcomed this championship:

🗣 “Like any sport, getting the results you want in s*x requires training.”

SOURCE;THE CRACKS

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President Salva Kiir has relieved Josephine Joseph Lagu as Vice President and Chair of the Service Cluster.

Former Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Hussein Abdelbagi Akol was appointed in her place.

The changes were announced on SSBC this evening.

#𝙽𝚎𝚠𝚜𝚞𝚙𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚜 | Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has been killed in a village southwest of Tripoli, officials say.

The 53-year-old, once seen as a pro-Western reformer but later implicated in 2011’s crackdown on protests, died from gunshot wounds.

Libyan authorities are investigating, while his death raises fears of tensions among pro-Gaddafi factions.

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#𝙽𝚎𝚠𝚜𝚞𝚙𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚜 | SSPDF Congratulates forces for recapturing SPLA-IO bases

The leadership of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has congratulated its troops for what it described as successful military operations that led to the recapture of all bases previously seized by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army–In Opposition (SPLA-IO) during offensives in December 2025 and January 2026.

In a statement released on Monday, the SSPDF leadership praised the gallant forces operating under the overall command of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Dr. Paul Nang Majok PhD, for restoring control over strategic locations that had fallen into rebel hands.

“The leadership of SSPDF would like to wholeheartedly congratulate our gallant forces for their bravery, professionalism, and sacrifice in defending the sovereignty of the nation,” the statement said.

The army further highlighted the capture of what it described as the rebels’ main battle tank during the recent operations, calling it a significant military achievement and a major blow to SPLA-IO operational capacity.

According to the statement, the Office of the SSPDF Spokesperson echoed the CDF’s call on Lou Nuer civilians—both armed and unarmed—to disassociate themselves from what it termed “subversive activities” allegedly being carried out by SPLA-IO rebels.

“The SSPDF urges civilians to delink themselves from any involvement with rebel forces and choose the path of peace and stability,” the statement read.

The military leadership also called on displaced civilians to return to their ancestral homes and villages, assuring them of improved security conditions in the affected areas.

“Civilians are encouraged to return home and begin rebuilding their lives and livelihoods as peace and normalcy are gradually restored,” the SSPDF said.

The statement comes amid ongoing security concerns in parts of the country, where renewed clashes and displacement have been reported in recent months.

Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) currently residing in Tombura, Western Equatoria State, yesterday peacefully facilitated the withdrawal of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

This development underscores the urgent responsibility of the State Government to strengthen civilian protection and foster constructive civil–military relations.

Such efforts are critical to building public trust, particularly among vulnerable populations, including IDPs.

I stand in solidarity with the civilians and internally displaced persons of Western Equatoria State.

| President Salva Kiir Relieves RRC Chairperson, Appoints New Head

President Salva Kiir Mayardit has relieved Hon. Michael Mading Akueth of his duties as Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC).

In a new decree, the President appointed Hon. James Jok Alier Bul as the new Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC).

The changes were announced as part of ongoing administrative adjustments within the government. Kiir did not mention any reason for Akueth relieved.

#𝙽𝙴𝚆𝚂𝚄𝙿𝙳𝙰𝚃𝙴𝚂 | Civil Society Groups Warn of Worsening Insecurity, Urge Immediate Ceasefire and Political Dialogue

Civil society networks from South Sudan’s ten states, the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA), and the Ruweng Administrative Area have raised alarm over the rapidly deteriorating security situation across the country, warning that continued fighting could plunge the nation back into full-scale violence with devastating consequences for civilians.

In a joint statement issued on Monday, the networks said they held a virtual meeting on January 21, 2026, to assess escalating military and communal confrontations and to explore coordinated civil society action at the sub-national level.

The groups expressed deep concern over ongoing clashes between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) in Jonglei, Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Unity, and Upper Nile states.

According to the statement, the fighting has intensified forced recruitment of civilians into armed groups, particularly in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Western Equatoria states.

They estimated that renewed violence has resulted in widespread loss of life, destruction of property and livelihoods, and the displacement of approximately 1.05 million civilians within the last month alone, creating what they described as “enormous suffering, panic, and uncertainty” among the population.

Beyond military confrontations, the civil society networks also highlighted the surge in communal violence in Lakes, Warrap, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Western Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Unity, and Central Equatoria states.

They further warned about the “provoking presence” of Ambororo nomads, whom they say are increasingly perceived as a security threat by host communities, particularly in Central Equatoria, Western Equatoria, and Northern Bahr el Ghazal.

Moved by what they termed the “deep outcry and suffering” of civilians, the groups made several key demands. They appealed to President Salva Kiir Mayardit and the Presidency to order an immediate cessation of hostilities and to unconditionally release the suspended First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar.

The group argued that such steps would help prevent possible crimes against humanity and genocide, especially in Jonglei State and the Greater Upper Nile region.

The statement also strongly condemned what it called dangerous rhetoric by political and military leaders, warning that such language could incite mass killings of civilians.

Civil society actors urged communities in Jonglei to reject ethnic and tribal narratives being promoted by some leaders amid the fighting.

Additionally, the networks called on the national Ministry of Peacebuilding, in collaboration with state governments, to urgently address inter-communal and intra-communal conflicts, age-set violence, and tensions linked to the presence of Ambororo nomads in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Central Equatoria, Western Equatoria, and GPAA.

The statement concluded by acknowledging the efforts of humanitarian organizations assisting displaced populations across the country and appealing for continued and increased support as humanitarian needs continue to rise due to renewed conflict.

The joint statement was issued on behalf of civil society networks operating across South Sudan’s ten states, the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, and the Ruweng Administrative Area.

President Salva Kiir Mayardit has appointed Awoul Gajang Awoul as Deputy Governor of Jonglei State.

#𝙽𝚎𝚠𝚜𝚞𝚙𝚍𝚊𝚝𝚜 | Ayod County Orders NGOs to Resume Operations Within 48 Hours

The Ayod County authorities in Jonglei State have issued a directive ordering all non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating in Ayod County and Ayod town to report back to the county headquarters within 48 hours, citing improved security conditions in the area.

In an official letter dated January 24, 2026, Ayod County Commissioner, James Chuol Jiek, the county government instructed humanitarian organizations that had previously relocated their bases to immediately return and resume operations.

According to the letter, the county administration said the security situation in Ayod town has “become very safe and calm like usual,” prompting the urgent call for NGOs to re-establish their presence at the county headquarters without delay.

“The government of Ayod County officially issued this urgent call to all NGOs whose bases are in the county headquarters to report within the above-mentioned hours without delay,” said Chuol

The commissioner warned that organizations that fail to comply with the directive within the stipulated time frame would be held accountable for the absence of their operations in the county.

“Anyone who will fail to report his or her base to the county headquarters will be answerable for the absence of his or her NGO,” Said Chuol

He further noted that the directive follows reports that several NGOs left Ayod town without prior notification or coordination with the county government, a move the authorities say was done without official authorization.

Ayod County has been affected by repeated insecurity in recent months, leading to the temporary suspension or relocation of humanitarian operations.

Aid agencies play a critical role in delivering lifesaving assistance, including food aid, health services, and protection support to vulnerable communities.

As of publication, it remains unclear how humanitarian organizations will respond to the directive, with some agencies typically requiring security assessments and internal clearance before redeploying staff to previously volatile areas.

Ayod County has in recent weeks witnessed renewed military tensions between government forces and opposition fighters, raising concerns over civilian safety and the continuity of humanitarian operations.

On Sunday morning, heavy fighting broke out north of Ayod town following a military offensive launched at dawn by a joint force of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) 10th Infantry Division and a specialized National Security Service (NSS) unit.