Chairperson of the Jonglei Civil Society Network (JCSN) and Executive Director of Intrepid South Sudan, Bol Deng Bol, has urged the Jonglei State government to assess the risk levels on the Juba-Bor Road and establish an early warning system to ensure the safety of travelers.
The call comes after the Jonglei State minister of parliamentary affairs, Nyalella John Chuol’s vehicle was ambushed and fired upon while traveling from Juba to Bor on Sunday morning, 29 September. The incident, which resulted in damage to the vehicle, raised concerns about the security of the highway, which has been relatively safe for the past five months.
“We strongly condemn this act and wish a quick recovery from the psychological effects to the minister and her team,” Bol stated. “If high-level government officials can be easy targets of armed elements, how susceptible are the common citizens and travelers on these highways?”
He emphasized the need for the state government to take immediate action to assess the risks and implement an early warning system to protect all road users. The incident has highlighted the road’s vulnerability and the urgent need for enhanced security measures.
The JCSN and Intrepid South Sudan are calling on the government to prioritize the safety of its citizens and ensure that such incidents do not recur. Establishing an early warning system is a crucial step in mitigating risks and safeguarding the lives of those who travel between Bor and Juba.