A bus ambush on the Juba-Nimule Highway in South Sudan led to one death and multiple injuries, with several passengers abducted. The South Sudanese Army suspects the National Salvation Front (NAS) rebels are behind the attack, while the NAS denies the allegations. The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in the region, particularly along this critical transportation route, which has become notorious for violence and ambushes since the country’s conflict began in 2013.
A tragic ambush targeting a passenger bus in South Sudan resulted in the death of a Ugandan national and injuries to seven others, with 14 passengers reported missing. The incident occurred on the Juba-Nimule Highway late on Tuesday night, prompting a statement from Army spokesman General Lul Ruai Koang. The general indicated that the attack occurred in the Jebelen area, a few kilometers from the capital, Juba, between eight and nine in the morning. The South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) Intelligence Service quickly attributed the attack to the National Salvation Front (NAS) rebels, which the NAS subsequently denied, claiming the SSPDF’s accusations were unfounded and intended to deflect attention from the government’s inability to ensure security. The NAS, led by former Deputy Army Chief Thomas Cirillo, has a history of engaging in similar attacks, often driven by motives such as extortion or political statements. The group notably did not endorse the 2018 peace agreement that helped establish the current national unity government under President Salva Kiir. General Koang reported that security forces responded swiftly and noted unusual movements in the area preceding the attack, leading to preparations for a counter-offensive against the rebels. He lamented that civilians were inadvertently targeted in the conflict. While the government reported a single fatality, the University of Bahr El Ghazal mourned the loss of Ustaz Joseph Thomas, a South Sudanese teaching assistant, expressing condolences for his contribution to the academic community. The Juba-Nimule Highway, crucial for connecting South Sudan to Uganda and the East African Community, has been fraught with danger since the outbreak of conflict in 2013. This road serves as the only viable transport corridor for goods from Kenya into South Sudan, yet it has become notorious for militia-led ambushes. Past incidents have resulted in numerous casualties, underscoring the ongoing security challenges that plague the region despite government efforts to provide protected transit along the route.
The security situation in South Sudan continues to be precarious, with ongoing conflicts leading to violence and instability. The Juba-Nimule Highway is vital for trade and transport between South Sudan and Uganda; however, it has gained a reputation as a dangerous route due to repeated attacks by armed groups. The National Salvation Front (NAS) has been implicated in previous assaults on this highway and has a contentious relationship with the government, stemming from its refusal to sign peace agreements aimed at unifying the country. The government’s efforts to secure this key transport corridor illustrate the challenges in providing safety and stability in the region. Attacks like the recent ambush on the bus highlight the urgent need for enhanced security measures and a comprehensive strategy to address the underlying issues fueling the violence.
The ambush on the Juba-Nimule Highway serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security issues in South Sudan. The deaths and injuries resulting from this incident underscore the dangers faced by civilian travelers in the region and the challenges that the government faces in restoring safety. The conflicting narratives between the government and the National Salvation Front (NAS) regarding responsibility for such attacks indicate a deepening crisis that demands urgent attention and resolution. Enhanced security strategies are needed to protect civilians and ensure the safe passage along this critical route.
Original Source: www.theeastafrican.co.ke
