A recent attack on a passenger bus traveling on the Juba-Nimule Highway resulted in one death and several injuries, with fourteen individuals abducted. The South Sudan army blamed NAS rebels for the assault, while the rebel group denied the accusations. The highway has a history of violence and continues to be a focal point of security concerns in the region.
On the night of Tuesday, September 25, 2024, an armed ambush on a passenger bus traveling along the Juba-Nimule Highway in South Sudan resulted in at least one fatality, with seven individuals wounded and fourteen others reported missing. According to Army spokesman General Lul Ruai Koang, this incident occurred near Jebelen, several kilometers from the capital, Juba, when the bus was en route from Juba to Kampala. The assailants, identified by South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) intelligence as members of the National Salvation Front (NAS) rebel group, have since denied involvement. The bus attack is part of a troubling pattern of violence along the Juba-Nimule Highway, a crucial transport route linking South Sudan to Uganda. Although the, government reported only one casualty, the University of Bahr El Ghazal mourned the passing of a faculty member, Ustaz Joseph Thomas, and highlighted the profound impact of his loss on the academic community. General Koang stated at a media briefing that prior to the attack, security forces had detected unusual movements by NAS rebels in the region and were in the process of preparing a counter-offensive when civilians unfortunately became the focal point of aggression. In contrast, NAS spokesperson Samuel Suba characterized the SSPDF’s allegations as unfounded, claiming the accusations served to distract from the government’s inability to maintain security along this vital roadway. The Juba-Nimule Highway, established in 2012 with funding from the United States government, has become increasingly perilous due to persistent conflict and the presence of militia groups. Despite previous incidents of violence, including attacks that resulted in multiple fatalities in previous years, the government’s efforts to curb such threats have shown limited success, casting a shadow on the state of security in the region.
The Juba-Nimule Highway stands as South Sudan’s primary transport artery linking its capital to Uganda and the broader East African Community. Since the outbreak of conflict in 2013, this highway has increasingly suffered from violence, making it infamous for ambushes and illegal roadblocks instituted by rebel and militia groups. Additionally, the region’s insecurity reflects ongoing political instability and the failed commitment to ensure the safety of citizens along vital corridors. The highway was originally developed to enhance trade and connectivity but has become a symbol of the country’s ongoing struggles with lawlessness and rebellion, particularly concerning groups that refused to engage in peace agreements with the government, such as the NAS.
In summary, the recent deadly ambush on a bus in South Sudan has underscored the critical security issues along the Juba-Nimule Highway, a crucial route for trade and travel. Despite the South Sudanese government’s assertions regarding the responsible parties, the NAS rebels have vehemently denied any wrongdoing. The ongoing violence raises significant concerns regarding the safety of civilians and the broader implications for regional stability as the government grapples with the challenge of securing this crucial transportation corridor.
Original Source: www.theeastafrican.co.ke
