The chief of defense forces of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), Gen. Paul Nang Majok, has ordered the immediate removal of all illegal checkpoints along the River Nile, stretching from Juba in Central Equatoria State to Malakal in Upper Nile State.
However, some observers warn that enforcing the directive may prove difficult, as some checkpoints are reportedly controlled by forces loyal to the SPLA-IO, the opposition group led by First Vice President Riek Machar, who is currently detained in Juba.
The exact number of unauthorized checkpoints along the Nile remains unclear, as does the timing of the order, which comes amid heightened security tensions between the SSPDF and SPLA-IO.
In January, attempts to dismantle illegal checkpoints along major highways in Western Bahr el Ghazal and Western Equatoria States sparked clashes between the two factions, further straining their fragile relations.
South Sudan has yet to fully unify its military as stipulated in the 2018 revitalized peace agreement. The deal has faced setbacks, including stalled security reforms, delays in election planning, and disputes between President Salva Kiir and Machar—tensions that led to Machar’s detention last month.
The new checkpoint removal order was announced Friday by SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, who said the operation would target unauthorized barriers disrupting river transport and commerce.
Maj. Gen. Koang stated that Lt. Gen. Theyip Gatluak TaiTai, commander for ground forces, and Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony Thabo, assistant chief of defense forces for mobilization and disarmament, would lead the effort.
“The removal exercise starts from Juba, Juba County, Central Equatoria State, all the way to Malakal town, Makal County, Upper Nile State,” Koang said.
He emphasized that the operation aims to boost trade, curb illegal taxation, and improve the safety and efficiency of river travel. Lt. Gen. Marshal Stephen Babanen, chief of military intelligence, has been assigned to oversee implementation.
The move appears to align with broader government efforts to revive economic activity along the Nile, a vital trade route.
Yet doubts persist over its feasibility in some areas.
Ter Manyang Gatwech, executive director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy, questioned whether the order could be enforced, noting that opposition forces control some checkpoints.
“I don’t think the order is going to be effective though it is a good move because people are concerned about what is going on in the country,” Gatwech said.
“The SPLA-IO might not agree to this because this was the same thing that brought problems to the country. I remember when the current chief of staff had disagreement with his deputy over this before they arrested him.”
