On September 25, 2024, an attack on a bus traveling on the Juba-Nimule Highway resulted in one death, seven injuries, and 14 abductions. The South Sudan military has attributed the attack to the NAS rebel group, which has denied involvement. The Juba-Nimule Highway, a key route for goods transport, is notorious for militia ambushes and remains dangerous for travelers despite government efforts to enhance security.
On Tuesday night, a passenger bus traveling from Juba to Kampala was ambushed on the Juba-Nimule Highway, resulting in one fatality, seven injuries, and the abduction of 14 individuals. According to Army spokesman General Lul Ruai Koang, the deceased was a Ugandan national. The incident occurred between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. in the Jebelen area, situated a few kilometers from Juba. The South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) Intelligence Service attributes responsibility for this attack to the National Salvation Front (NAS) rebels, although this accusation has been denied by the group. NAS, led by former army deputy chief Thomas Cirillo, has a history of ambushing travelers on this notably dangerous highway for either extortion purposes or political statements. The group notably rejected the 2018 peace agreement which established the current government of national unity under President Salva Kiir. During a media briefing, General Koang stated that security forces promptly responded to the attack but the assailants escaped towards Labonok Payam in Central Equatoria State. “We have verified that NAS rebels were behind the attack,” he proclaimed. He indicated that joint security forces had detected suspicious movements in the area over the preceding week and were poised to launch a surprise operation against NAS hideouts, but unfortunately, civilians became the targets of the assailants. In contrast, NAS spokesman Samuel Suba vehemently denied the accusations, asserting, “NAS strongly refutes the lies from SSPDF spokesperson. This statement is false and must be treated with the contempt it deserves. The statement is a reaction aimed to cover up the regime’s failure in providing security not only on Juba-Nimule Road but also the security for the people and the territorial integrity of South Sudan.” Although the government reported only one casualty, the University of Bahr El Ghazal (UBG) mourned the loss of Ustaz Joseph Thomas, a South Sudanese teaching assistant at their College of Agriculture. The university expressed sorrow over his untimely demise and honored his contributions. The Juba-Nimule Highway, completed in 2012 with support from the U.S. government, is crucial for linking South Sudan’s capital to Uganda and serves as the primary corridor for goods transportation from Kenya. Since the outbreak of conflict in 2013, security along many border highways has declined severely, making this road the only operational route. However, it has become infamous for ambushes and illegal checkpoints by militia groups, with numerous deadly incidents reported over the years. Despite government efforts to enhance security through armed escorts, the latest attack underscores ongoing challenges with safety in the region.
The security situation in South Sudan, particularly on the Juba-Nimule Highway, has significantly deteriorated since the onset of conflict in 2013. This highway is now the sole operational route for transporting goods from Uganda and Kenya, making it a vital corridor for trade and commerce. However, the presence of militia groups and rampant ambushes pose severe threats to travelers. Past incidents have highlighted the lack of effective security measures along this route, leading to numerous fatalities and injuries. The involvement of rebel groups, particularly NAS, has further complicated the security landscape, drawing attention to the failures of the national government to ensure safety for its citizens and travelers.
The recent ambush on the Juba-Nimule Highway that led to one death and multiple casualties highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by South Sudanese authorities. The South Sudan People’s Defence Force has accused NAS rebels of orchestrating the attack, while the rebels deny responsibility, indicating a complex and contentious dynamic within South Sudan’s political and military landscape. This incident reflects broader issues of insecurity along major transportation routes in the country and underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures to protect civilians and restore trust in government capabilities.
Original Source: www.theeastafrican.co.ke
