The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) on Thursday said it had removed all roadblocks and illegal tax collection points along highways and interstate roads as directed by President Salva Kiir.
Travelers and local and foreign drivers of good vehicles have often accused elements of the army, National Security, and police of setting up illegal roadblocks and ungazetted tax collection points to extort money from them. For the last few weeks, truck drivers from the East African Region parked their vehicles at the Elegu-Nimule border with Uganda and refused to enter the country, citing illegal taxes and extortion by South Sudanese officials and soldiers at the border and along the roads.
A press statement issued by SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang seen by Radio Tamazuj also said the army will lead other organized forces in buttressing security during the festive season and will start deploying in and around Juba immediately.
“In coordination with other organized forces, SSPDF, as the lead security agency, has finalized and rolled out all the necessary arrangements and preparations to enhance security and protection of the people of South Sudan and foreign nationals during this festive season,” the statement reads in part. “First and foremost, the Joint Security Forces, under the overall command of Lt. Gen. Thoi Chany Reat, began by the implementation of the Commander-in-Chief’s orders on the removal of all illegal roadblocks and banning of unauthorized collection of taxes.”
Gen. Ruai added: “All illegal roadblocks/checkpoints along the following roads; Juba-Nimule Highway, Juba-Bor Road, Juba-Keji Kejo Road, Jand uba-Maridi Road have been removed.”
He said that to ensure the prevention of the re-establishment of illegal roadblocks and or checkpoints, SSPDF is currently deploying Standby Forces along the aforementioned major roads.
“On the implementation of security measures during the Christmas period and New Year’s Eve, as of today (Thursday), 19 December 2024, Joint Security Forces will commence deployment within and around Juba town with the massing of security personnel around major roundabouts, markets, transport hubs, recreational centers, and religious sites,” the statement said. “Joint security forces will conduct vehicular and foot patrols with special focus on hotspots areas known for higher rates of criminal activities.”
“To ensure Christmas and New Year’s celebrations are conducted in a very peaceful and conducive environment, SSPDF leadership/command urges all citizens and foreign nationals to cooperate with security forces as well as report any suspicious activities for preventative and pre-emptive measures to be taken,” the statement added.
Regarding the security situation in Tambura County, Western Equatoria State, Gen. Ruai said the army has deployed a battalion-sized force in the area to restore law and order.
“Finally, SSPDF Chief of Defense Forces and Assistant Chief of Defense Forces for Operations/Commander of Joint Security would like to wish all the people of South Sudan a Merry Christmas and Happy Prosperous 2025 in advance,” the statement concluded.