The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) said they have launched an investigation into the killing of three passengers and the injury of eight others along the Juba-Nimule highway over the weekend.
The incident took place on Saturday morning when a commercial vehicle carrying 14 passengers was travelling from Juba to Kampala via the Nimule highway. The vehicle was ambushed between the Nesitu and Jebelain areas in Central Equatoria state.
Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, the SSPDF spokesperson, told Radio Tamazuj Tuesday that the attackers have not yet been identified. However, he said forces are investigating the incident. Gen. Koang explained that the attack occurred between two SSPDF checkpoints, though the details of the incident remain unclear.
“Yes, on Monday I received information about the incident, and I communicated with the commander in that area. He informed me that the incident occurred in Bai-Bai, between Nesitu and Jebelain. The vehicle was ambushed between two checkpoints, but we still don’t know who is responsible for the attack,” he said.
“We have instructed the commander to investigate and find out who the attackers were, as the incident occurred between two closely located checkpoints. We still don’t know if the attackers are armed civilians or members of NAS (National Salvation Front),” he added.
Meanwhile, Gatwech Koryom Nyak, a technical advisor at the Ministry of Finance in Upper Nile state and a relative of some of the victims, confirmed that the deceased and injured were brought to Juba. He identified the three victims as a South Sudanese driver from Kajo-Keji, an Ethiopian passenger, and another South Sudanese national.
“Out of the 14 passengers, three were killed, and the others sustained gunshot wounds. Only three people were not shot. Our brother Musa Kun Koang and his son Koang Musa Kun Koang were among the injured. Musa was shot in the left side of his abdomen with three bullets, and his son suffered a broken left arm, though the injury wasn’t severe. We received several calls, and once we reached the scene, we brought the injured to Juba. Musa was operated on the same Saturday, and his condition has improved. As of today (Tuesday), we have flown him to Nairobi for further treatment,” Advisor Koryom said.
Edmond Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), condemned the attack and called on the South Sudanese army to explain why such killings are happening near their garrisons.
“We strongly condemn this incident, as it violates citizens’ freedom of movement and their right to life. As a civil society organization, we urge the SSPDF to explain why this attack occurred so close to their garrisons,” he said.
“We are aware that there may be criminal elements within the security forces, but the SSPDF must identify them. The use of the term ‘unknown gunmen’ is becoming an excuse for these attacks, and it risks allowing people to exploit this situation and harm civilians. We urge the SSPDF leadership to address this issue publicly and provide clarity. This incident threatens citizens’ movement between Juba and Kampala and disrupts economic activities,” Yakani concluded.
The Juba-Nimule highway is the only lifeline that connects South Sudan to neighbouring Uganda and Kenya for the supply of goods to South Sudan’s capital.