By Yiep Joseph
A standoff at the South Sudan-Uganda border in Nimule has been resolved, with long-distance truck drivers agreeing to resume their journey into South Sudan.
The drivers, who were on strike over what they said were high taxes and illegal roadblocks, have now been persuaded to return to normal operations following negotiations with the South Sudan government delegation,
After resumption, South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) expressed optimism that the resolution of the strike would lead to a decrease in the cost of goods in the country.
This act has recently led to a price increment, particularly the fuel prices that influence transport fare; the prices of litre for petrol in the few days increased from 5000 South Sudanese Pounds to 7000 South Sudanese Pounds at different petrol stations.
While the situation was expected to worsen, the government delegation led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Monday Semaya Kumba, including SSRA Commissioner General, visited Nimule on Monday and met the long-distance truck drivers at Elegu.
In his address to the media after a series of engagements with long-distance drivers at Elegu, Simon Akuei Deng, South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA), revealed that the drivers have agreed to enter South Sudan.
“We (South Sudan government and truck drivers) have all agreed that the border will be open officially today, which is already open, and there is truck crossing,” he said.
“We have agreed that all the non-tariff variers (NTVs) for the extortion, traffic, and all organized forces that collect have been cancelled, including Juba Bridge and Traffic in Juba Town, because they are hurting the drivers and people through high prices,” he added.
He promised that the government would uphold its promise to the truck drivers in order to ensure smooth movement of goods and people.
Akuei expressed that the government has agreed to clear all the illegal checkpoints on the road to Juba as it was demanded by the long-distance truck drivers.
Sudi Kauli Mwatela, Chairperson of the Long-Distance Drivers Union, declared the readiness of trucks to resume their journey to Juba, citing that the South Sudanese government has agreed to address their grievances.
“Everything we said is accepted, and we have agreed, as I said, the strike is lifted,” he said.
He urged the South Sudan government to stick to their promise of protection and removal of all illegal roadblocks.
Kauli expressed that due to insecurity on the roads, the drivers continue to lose millions to hire escorts to some areas within South Sudan.
“Those who always escort us, they are the ones taking millions; they escort us to Wau, Abyei, but they are taking seven million,” he said.
He called on the government to provide free escorts to the drivers in order to ensure their safety.
“We want those trucks going to Wau, Abyei, and Aweil all to be escorted freely.”
Also, on Tuesday, a government delegation led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Monday Semaya Kumba, briefed forces at the Nimule border regarding a formal agreement reached with the long-distance truck drivers’ union.
The briefing centred on crucial topics such as revenue collection and operational protocols at the border, to address ongoing disputes and foster better cooperation between transporters and government authorities.
Notably, the delegation also included the Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority, Simon Akuei Deng, and the newly appointed Chief of Defence Forces, General Paul Nang.