The government of South Sudan has abolished checkpoints on major highways, particularly the Juba-Bor route, leading to varied responses from the public. While some welcome the change for reducing travel delays, others express fears over heightened security risks from bandits. The SSPDF maintains that strategic patrols will continue to ensure safety despite the checkpoint removal.
The South Sudanese government’s recent decision to eliminate checkpoints along key highways, notably the Juba-Bor route, has elicited diverse reactions from various stakeholders. Commuters, local residents, and security analysts have expressed a mixture of optimism and concern. The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) confirmed the removal of these checkpoints following an order from President Salva Kiir to eradicate unlawful roadblocks across the nation.
Some commuters, such as Chol Chopa from Bor, have welcomed the reduction of travel delays associated with the previous roadblocks. However, they also voice apprehension regarding an increased vulnerability to attacks from armed bandits due to decreased military presence. In contrast, local resident Victoria Yom Geu has a more favorable view, indicating that the removal of these checkpoints may enhance traffic efficiency, diminish unlawful taxation, and potentially encourage local economic growth. Mach Anyang, a frequent traveler on the Juba-Bor road, agrees with this sentiment, noting the elimination of extortion by soldiers at roadblocks.
Despite the concerns regarding security, Major General Lul Ruai Koang, spokesperson for the SSPDF, has reassured citizens that the army will continue to conduct strategic patrols to maintain safety on the highways. He stated, “We are monitoring the roads and patrols will continue where needed.” Nevertheless, challenges remain as delays in salary payments to government workers have led to low morale among soldiers, prompting some to leave their posts, thereby raising questions about the sustainability of security measures.
As South Sudan navigates this critical transition, the public remains divided over the potential effects of this policy on both road accessibility and security dynamics.
South Sudan has faced significant security challenges since its independence, leading to the establishment of various checkpoints intended to mitigate armed banditry and other forms of violence. The presence of these checkpoints has often been criticized for causing delays and extorting travelers. The government’s recent move to dismantle these roadblocks reflects an attempt to balance the need for improved travel conditions with ongoing safety concerns.
The decision to remove checkpoints in South Sudan has sparked a nuanced debate among citizens, with some praising the move for easing travel delays and fostering economic growth, while others voice worries about increased exposure to threats from armed groups. The SSPDF’s commitment to continue surveillance through patrols aims to address these security concerns, yet ongoing issues such as soldier morale due to salary delays add layers of complexity to the situation. The future effectiveness of this policy shift remains to be seen as the nation seeks to improve both transportation and safety.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
