South Sudan Goods Blocked in Kenyan Port Dispute

(MOMBASA) – Cargo destined for South Sudan is stuck in Mombasa, Kenya, as importers face delays caused by a freight management dispute at the port. Business leaders are now calling on the government in Juba to act swiftly to prevent further economic loss.

According to a report by Jakony.com, the delays are due to a failure by importers to comply with security rules requiring the use of electronic tagging seals on all cargo moving through the Northern Corridor.

Only one company, Panda Freight and Logistics, has been authorised by the South Sudanese government to provide these seals. However, most cargo handling companies in Mombasa do not have working agreements with Panda.

The problem worsened after a Kenyan High Court ruling on 19 July 2025, which barred Autoport, one of two key companies previously authorised to manage South Sudanese cargo from operating. The court found Autoport had failed to deliver its services effectively.

As a result, containers are now piled up across 22 different freight terminals, most of which do not meet South Sudan’s security or cargo tracking standards. Traders say the delays are increasing their costs and threatening supply chains across the country.

Emmanuel Kachoul, Chairman of the South Sudan Freight Forwarders Association and the Business Community, told media that “traders cannot move their goods” and called on the Ministry of Transport to reinstate the earlier directive that allowed cargo consolidation at Autoport and Compact Freight Systems.

Kachoul also warned that the longer the cargo remains stuck, the higher the storage and handling charges, costing traders up to SSP 2.3 million (about $500) per container.

South Sudan relies heavily on imports from the Port of Mombasa, and is now at risk of seeing further price hikes on essential goods such as food, fuel and construction materials. Business leaders warn this could trigger wider inflation and economic pressure on households.

Kachoul urged Juba to act quickly, saying: “We need a reliable system that protects South Sudanese trade. Our economy cannot afford continued disruption.”

This report was compiled with reference to Jakony.com® – South Sudan’s Largest Business News Portal.