A passenger bus attack on the Juba-Nimule Highway in South Sudan resulted in one death, seven injuries, and fourteen abductions. The army attributed the ambush to NAS rebels, who denied any involvement. This incident underscores the persistent security challenges facing travelers on this critical route, which has seen increasing violence since the onset of conflict in 2013.
On Tuesday night, an assault on a passenger bus traveling on the Juba-Nimule Highway in South Sudan led to one fatality, seven injuries, and the abduction of fourteen individuals. According to Army spokesman General Lul Ruai Koang, a Ugandan national perished due to this ambush, which occurred in the Jebelen area, located just a few kilometers from Juba between the hours of 8 AM and 9 AM. While the South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) Intelligence Service attributed the attack to the National Salvation Front (NAS) rebels, NAS has denied involvement. NAS, led by former army deputy chief Thomas Cirillo, has a history of engaging in similar attacks targeting travelers on this critical route, often linked to extortion or political motives. The group opted not to sign the 2018 peace accord that established the current unity government headed by President Salva Kiir. In a subsequent media briefing, General Koang affirmed that security forces were promptly deployed to the area, yet the assailants retreated towards Labonok Payam in Central Equatoria State. “We have verified that NAS rebels were behind the attack,” stated Koang, also revealing that intelligence had noted unusual activities in the vicinity, prompting preparations for a counteroffensive against the rebels’ hideouts. Unfortunately, innocent civilians fell victim to this situation. In response to the accusations, NAS spokesperson Samuel Suba vehemently dismissed the claims made by the SSPDF spokesperson, labeling them as false and disguising governmental shortcomings in ensuring safety along the Juba-Nimule Highway and beyond. The University of Bahr El Ghazal expressed its condolences for the loss of Ustaz Joseph Thomas, a teaching assistant at the College of Agriculture, mourning the impact of such violence on the community. The Juba-Nimule Highway, established in 2012 with U.S. funding, serves as the major route linking South Sudan’s capital to Uganda and the broader East African Community. This road has become increasingly vital for the transport of goods from Kenya to South Sudan; however, ongoing conflict since 2013 has rendered many alternate highways unsafe, making this route the only one reliably operational. In spite of government-led efforts to enhance security, the highway has gained notoriety for militia-led ambushes, representing severe security challenges that continue to threaten civilians’ lives and safety in the region.
The ongoing instability in South Sudan has made travel on the Juba-Nimule Highway particularly treacherous. Since the outbreak of conflict in 2013, various militia groups have targeted vehicles on this crucial route, which serves as the main corridor for trade between South Sudan and neighboring countries. The National Salvation Front (NAS), a rebel group that has refused to sign past peace agreements, has frequently targeted civilians and transports, often citing political motives or extortion as reasons. The ambushes represent a significant threat to safety and undermine governmental authority, revealing the deep-seated issues faced by citizens seeking safe passage.
In summary, the attack on the passenger bus on the Juba-Nimule Highway highlights the ongoing security crisis in South Sudan, exacerbated by actions from rebel factions such as the NAS. Despite government assurances, the prevalence of ambushes poses a serious risk to public safety and reflects a broader failure to maintain order. As civilian casualties continue to mount, the call for increased protective measures and a resolution to the underlying conflicts becomes urgent.
Original Source: www.theeastafrican.co.ke
