The government of South Sudan has deployed military forces along the Juba-Nimule and the Juba-Yei highways to provide security after a recent spate of ambushes and killings.

More than 10 people including foreigners were killed and three trucks were set ablaze last week. Following the insecurity, Ugandan and Kenyan truck drivers and traders went on strike at the Elegu border town in Uganda and demanded security assurances for them to resume travel into South Sudan.

The government says the deployment was completed on Tuesday by South Sudan’s military high command. 

SSPDF spokesman, Gen. Santo Domic, told Radio Tamazuj, “We have deployed several military forces on all the highways and even yesterday but one the chief of the army himself went to the scene and now we have increased the number of forces on the highways.” 

Police deputy spokesperson, Colonel James Daak, said a huge force was sent to Nimule on Wednesday to ensure perishable goods are transported from the border using trucks from South Sudan. 

“But a very big force left yesterday (Wednesday) and this force will have to see that because the goods are getting rotten, they are getting contaminated, so they will transfer these goods into our trucks and they will make it. They will pack the trucks to reach the people who are in need in Juba,” according to Col. Daak. “Meanwhile the negotiation is going to take place between us and the countries that are involved, those of Kenya and Ethiopia and Somalia and Uganda.” 

The ministry of foreign affairs mouthpiece, Hakim Edward, said they have initiated talks with authorities from the neighboring countries regarding the matter.

“I would like to tell you that consultations are ongoing with our counterparts of the relevant institutions with either Kenya or Uganda to ensure actually that this matter is addressed,” Ambassador Hakim Edward reassured. “We would also like to assure you that the army and security personnel are already deployed along Juba-Nimule and Juba-Yei and Kaya roads. So they are deployed now for two days and if you remember the Chief of general staff, General JJ Okot two days ago was along Juba-Nimule road to see by himself in person actually about the carnage and destruction caused by these negative elements.” 

On Wednesday, a committee of the minister of trade and industry, customs, national revenue authority, and immigration officials went to Nimule to negotiate with the truckers who are parked at the border.