By Deng Ghai Deng
Traffic along the Juba-Bor highway has come to a complete halt following a deadly security incident involving armed groups and cattle traders from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA).
The clash, which took place on Wednesday morning in Mogiri Payam of Juba County, has left at least 20 people dead on both sides, while an unspecified number of cattle were looted during the skirmish, according to office of governor for Central Equatoria state.
Deng Jool Deng, the president of the Drivers Union in Jonglei state, confirmed to this publication that his office has issued an emergency directive suspending the transportation of both goods and people along the vital highway for a period of 48 hours.
This suspension is set to remain in effect until security conditions improve and stabilization efforts are initiated.
“We received reports of a violent altercation involving cattle traders from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area and unidentified gunmen,” Jool said in an interview.
“In light of this, we have made the decision to halt all traffic on the Juba-Bor highway for the next 48 hours to allow time for the government to address the situation,” he added.
Jool also appealed to the national government to strengthen security along the highway, urging for additional military reinforcements to be dispatched to the barracks stationed at strategic points along the route.
The suspension of transport has caused critical disruption to the movement of goods and people, as the Juba-Bor highway is a critical trade route linking South Sudan’s capital to the eastern part of the country.
The security situation remains fluid, and authorities are closely monitoring the developments.
The South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident or potential reinforcements.