A recent ambush on the Juba-Nimule Highway in South Sudan led to the death of a Ugandan national, injuries to seven others, and the abduction of 14 passengers. The South Sudan army accused the National Salvation Front (NAS) rebels of orchestrating the attack, a claim the group refuted. This incident highlights the persistent insecurity along this crucial transportation route, which has a history of militia-related violence despite government efforts to enhance safety.
On the evening of September 24, 2024, a passenger bus traveling on the Juba-Nimule Highway in South Sudan was ambushed, resulting in the death of a Ugandan national, seven injuries, and the abduction of 14 others. Army spokesperson General Lul Ruai Koang reported that the attack occurred near the Jebelen area, only a few kilometers from Juba. It was attributed to the National Salvation Front (NAS) rebels, a claim that the group has denied. The NAS, led by Thomas Cirillo, has a history of admitting to highway attacks, often for extortion or political motivations, and has not recognized the peace agreement established in 2018. In a press briefing, General Koang emphasized that security forces quickly responded to the scene but the assailants managed to escape toward Labonok Payam in Central Equatoria State. “We have verified that NAS rebels were behind the attack,” he declared, noting that recent intelligence suggested increased rebel movements in the area. Meanwhile, NAS spokesperson Samuel Suba dismissed the allegations as falsehoods aimed at obscuring the government’s failure to maintain security on the road. While the official government statement reported one fatality, the University of Bahr El Ghazal expressed grief over the death of one of its faculty members, Ustaz Joseph Thomas, a teaching assistant at the College of Agriculture. The Juba-Nimule Highway, established in 2012 and funded by a US grant, remains a crucial route connecting South Sudan to Uganda and the greater East African Community. This highway, notorious for militia attacks and illegal roadblocks, has seen numerous violent incidents since the outbreak of conflict in 2013, and yet it remains the only operational corridor for the transport of goods from Kenya to South Sudan.
The situation in South Sudan has been precarious since conflict erupted in 2013, resulting in widespread insecurity along key transportation routes, including the Juba-Nimule Highway. This highway serves as South Sudan’s primary connection to Uganda and is vital for trade with the East African Community. Over the years, it has garnered a notorious reputation for ambushes and illegal activity perpetrated by militia groups, highlighting the ongoing security challenges facing the region. The NAS, historically critical of the current government’s handling of security issues, has frequently engaged in attacks on travelers, further complicating the efforts to restore peace and safety for civilians and transporters alike.
In conclusion, the recent ambush of a bus on the Juba-Nimule Highway underscores the persistent security issues that plague South Sudan, particularly along vital transportation networks. The clash between the South Sudan Peoples Defence Force’s allegations and the NAS’s denials reflects the broader struggle for control and safety within the region. Despite government efforts, the continued violence poses a significant risk to civilians, illustrating the urgent need for improved security measures and a resolution to ongoing conflicts.
Original Source: www.theeastafrican.co.ke
