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Refugee Turned Advocate Sentenced for South Sudan Coup Plot

2/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Peter Biar Ajak was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to conspiring to violate U.S. weapons export laws.
Ajak came to the United States as a refugee in 2001 and sought to purchase weapons for a coup in South Sudan using humanitarian aid funds.
The case underscores crises in South Sudan, including starvation and civil unrest.
Ajak was previously celebrated for peace advocacy, marking a fall from grace.

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Story summary

Peter Biar Ajak was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to conspiring to violate U.S. weapons export laws.
Ajak came to the United States as a refugee in 2001 and sought to purchase weapons for a coup in South Sudan using humanitarian aid funds.
The case underscores crises in South Sudan, including starvation and civil unrest.
Ajak was previously celebrated for peace advocacy, marking a fall from grace.