(JUBA) – There is growing pressure on South Sudanese authorities to strengthen security along key transport routes following increasing reports of attacks and threats against truck drivers and traders using major highways, especially the busy Nimule–Juba Road.
The call for enhanced protection has prompted discussions about closer collaboration between government agencies, security officials, and the private sector to ensure the safety of goods and people moving through the country’s strategic trade corridors.
The Nimule–Juba Road serves as a vital link between South Sudan and Kenya, facilitating the movement of goods from the Mombasa port to markets in Juba and beyond.
However, criminal activity along the route particularly after nightfall continues to threaten regional trade and investment.
Transporters and logistics companies say the insecurity discourages cross border commerce and increases operating costs due to delays, theft, and insurance risks.
Many drivers avoid night travel altogether, opting to park early to reduce exposure to armed robbery and roadside ambushes.
According to the Kenya Transporters Association (KTA), these threats could disrupt the movement of essential supplies and frustrate regional integration efforts under the East African Community (EAC) framework.
The KTA, which represents road freight transporters in Kenya and the broader region, advocates for the interests of the industry and promotes safe, efficient, and cost effective cross border transport services.
| Key Route | Primary Risk | Impact on Trade |
|---|---|---|
| Nimule–Juba Road | Armed attacks and night-time ambushes | Delays, cargo theft, and increased transport costs |
| Kaya–Yei–Juba Route | Sporadic insecurity and roadblocks | Reduced access to western corridor |
| Nadapal–Kapoeta Route | Poor infrastructure and armed activity | Disruption of flow from Kenya via Turkana |
Efforts to address these concerns are seen as critical to supporting South Sudan’s post-conflict recovery and enabling the private sector to contribute effectively to national economic growth.
In recent months, security officials have been deployed to some high risk areas, but transporters say more consistent patrols, stronger legal action against perpetrators, and dialogue between local communities and authorities are still needed.
The situation mirrors wider concerns across East Africa about the safety of landed trade routes, as seen in similar incidents involving drivers in neighbouring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where Kenyan drivers have faced extended detention by militias.
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