A long-distance bus traveling from Juba to Kampala was attacked by gunmen in South Sudan, resulting in at least one death and several injuries, with concerns that seven individuals may have been abducted. Major General Lul Ruai Koang attributed the attack to the National Salvation Front, a rebel group opposing the peace deal in place. This incident follows a history of violence on the same route, highlighting ongoing insecurity in the region.
A long-distance bus traversing a principal route south of Juba, South Sudan, was ambushed by gunmen on Tuesday morning as it was en route to Kampala, Uganda. The attack has resulted in the unfortunate death of at least one individual, identified as a Ugandan, while eight others sustained injuries. Furthermore, there are concerns that seven additional passengers have been abducted, as reported by the South Sudanese army. The images from the assault depict flames engulfing the bus and thick black smoke ascending into the sky, emphasizing the severity of the event. The attack occurred despite a peace agreement purportedly aimed at ending persistent civil conflicts within South Sudan. Major General Lul Ruai Koang, serving as an army spokesperson, has attributed the assault to the National Salvation Front (NAS), a rebel faction led by former deputy chief of staff General Thomas Cirilo Swaka, which operates in the vicinity south of Juba and throughout Central Equatoria state. It is noteworthy that the NAS has yet to respond to allegations regarding their involvement in this particular incident. In a preliminary statement to Radio Tamazuj, General Koang indicated that army personnel deployed to the scene engaged with the assailants and were able to repulse them. This latest ambush is not an isolated incident. The road connecting Juba to the southern border town of Nimule has seen episodes of violence; for instance, in August 2022, eleven individuals, including both South Sudanese and Ugandans, lost their lives due to an attack on their vehicle by unidentified gunmen. Additionally, two South Sudanese Catholic nuns were tragically killed along the same highway just one year prior as they returned to Juba.
The ongoing instability in South Sudan can be traced back to the civil war that erupted in 2013, which has left lasting effects on security throughout the nation. Despite the implementation of a peace accord in 2018, many areas, particularly regions south of the capital, Juba, remain perilous due to the activities of various armed groups, notably the National Salvation Front. The persistent threat of violence on major transportation routes has raised concerns regarding the safety of civilians traveling within the country and to neighboring states. South Sudan continues to grapple with this legacy of violence as government forces struggle to maintain order in remote regions where rebel factions operate freely.
In conclusion, the ambush of the bus in South Sudan underscores the persistent threats faced by civilians in conflict-affected areas of the country, despite the existence of a peace agreement. The attack, likely perpetrated by the National Salvation Front, raises urgent questions about the effectiveness of security measures in place and has resulted in both casualties and potential kidnappings. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing vulnerabilities within South Sudan as it continues to navigate its troubled political landscape.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
