Jonglei, Unity resume river transport as security improves

Photo: Lake Shambe, South Sudan (Bahr el Jebel Safaris)

Transport along the Nile between Jonglei and Unity states has resumed after government troops were last month deployed to the area.

Transport along the Nile between Jonglei and Unity states has resumed after government troops were last month deployed to the area.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Friday, several passengers and boat owners said security has improved since government troops were deployed to provide protection in the contested islands of Cuet-Akuet and Jorwac.

The two islands are disputed between Jonglei and Eastern Lakes States.

 Nyakume Gatkhor, a mother of three, said she safely arrived in Bor town last Thursday after she stranded in Fangak area for a month.

 “I am taking my kids to Juba for studies. I could not make it since December because of insecurity. I am thankful to the government,” she said.

 Babur Riek, a businessman operating along the Nile, said business has improved with the deployment of troops in the area.

He added that they no longer incur costs following the removal of illegal checkpoints between Jonglei and Eastern Lakes states.

Elijah Thongbor, the Security General of Boats Trade Union in Jonglei, said no insecurity incidents were reported in January, urging the government to maintain security along the Nile.

 Meanwhile, the Eastern Lakes State information minister, Marial Awuok, disclosed that the rival communities vacated the contested islands when troops were deployed in mid-January.

He pointed out that the two state governments agreed to establish a joint body at Chuet-Akwet island to oversee revenue collection and fishing activities among the local communities.

“The contested area is now left to the security forces. Guidelines will be set for fishermen from the two states,” Awuok explained.