Security authorities in South Sudan last week forced several airlines including two Kenyan companies to move from their offices at Juba International Airport with little notice.
An aviation source said that last Thursday security personnel closed the offices of Kenya Airways, Fly540, and a number of charter operators, giving them only two hours notice to vacate the premises.
A second aviation source confirmed the move saying the reason was that the premises were owned by or run by Latjor Mayul, a businessman who used to work for Riek Machar. Latjor became well-known in 2012 as the owner of South Sudan’s first stretch limousine.
Airlines have not ceased operations but were able to continue operating. “Companies are operating normal here,” reported a third aviation source.
This development comes shortly after similar security operations last week targeting premises linked to SPLM dissidents Pagan Amum and Majak d’Agoot and former military intelligence head Mac Paul.