South Sudan Military Attributes Deadly Bus Attack to Rebel Group
A deadly ambush on a passenger bus in South Sudan’s Juba-Nimule Highway resulted in one death, seven injuries, and fourteen abductions. The South Sudan military has blamed the NAS rebels for the attack, which they deny. This incident underscores the persistent insecurity on the highway, crucial for trade between South Sudan and Uganda, amidst rising tensions and historical violence along this route.
On Tuesday night, a passenger bus traveling along the Juba-Nimule Highway in South Sudan was ambushed, resulting in the death of at least one individual, the wounding of seven others, and the abduction of fourteen passengers. The South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) has attributed this attack to the National Salvation Front (NAS) rebels; however, the NAS has categorically denied these allegations. According to Army Spokesman General Lul Ruai Koang, the ambush took place in the Jebelen area, situated a few kilometers from the capital city of Juba, during early morning hours, between 8 AM and 9 AM. The victim identified as a Ugandan national was reportedly a passenger aboard the bus en route from Juba to Kampala. In response to the assault, General Koang stated that the security forces acted promptly but were unsuccessful in apprehending the attackers, who fled towards Labonok Payam in Juba County. “Our intelligence personnel have verified that NAS rebels were behind the attack,” stated General Koang in a media briefing. “Prior to the incident, we detected suspicious movements in the area, leading our security forces to prepare for a surprise raid on their hideouts. Regrettably, civilians became the primary targets during this ambush.” The NAS, led by former army deputy chief Thomas Cirillo, has a history of conducting attacks on travelers along this crucial highway, often for motives related to extortion or political gains. The group has consistently refused to recognize the 2018 peace agreement that established the current national unity government headed by President Salva Kiir. In a rebuttal, NAS spokesperson Samuel Suba issued a statement denouncing the allegations from the SSPDF, attributing the claim to an attempt by the government to divert attention from its failure to ensure safety on the highway. “This statement is false and must be treated with the contempt it deserves,” Suba remarked. Despite the government’s assertion that only one life was lost, the University of Bahr El Ghazal mourned the death of Ustaz Joseph Thomas, a South Sudanese teaching assistant, expressing condolences to his family and the university community. The Juba-Nimule Highway, established with U.S. government aid in 2012, is crucial for linking South Sudan to Uganda and the broader East African Community, serving as the main route for goods transported from Kenya to South Sudan. In the context of ongoing conflict since 2013, this highway has been plagued by frequent ambushes and illegal roadblocks, reinforcing its reputation as a dangerous passage for travelers. This latest incident underscores the persistent security challenges plaguing the region, which have diminished despite government efforts to enhance safety measures, such as deploying armed escorts along the highway.
The issue of safety on the Juba-Nimule Highway has long been a significant concern in South Sudan, particularly since the outbreak of conflict in 2013. This highway is not only a vital transportation route for trade but has also become notorious for attacks by various militia groups, leading to numerous fatalities over the years. The National Salvation Front (NAS), which opposes the current government and has rejected peace agreements, has frequently been implicated in such assaults. The governance and security failures in the region have intensified these challenges, with the government often coming under fire for not providing adequate protection for civilians traveling on this key route.
The ambush on the Juba-Nimule Highway serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced in South Sudan, particularly in light of the conflicting claims between the government and the NAS regarding accountability for such violent acts. The incident not only underscores the dangers faced by travelers in the region but also highlights the broader implications for governance and public safety in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.theeastafrican.co.ke
