By Yiep Joseph
Government of Warrap State has begun removing illegal roadblocks across the state as part of a move to implement resolutions from the 8th Governors’ Forum.
On Thursday, Governor Francis Marial Abur personally dismantled several roadblocks, including those at Waralal in Gogrial West County and Wunrok in Twic County.
Governor Marial emphasized that the action was taken in response to the forum’s directive to facilitate the free movement of goods and services within the state.
He stated that the crackdown on illegal roadblocks will continue.
During his inspection tour, Governor Marial directed security forces to clear roads of unnecessary checkpoints.
He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the free and unobstructed flow of traffic within Warrap State.
“It is an order from the president that there is no need for roadblocks. I have started here and will be going up to Twic County,” he said.
He threatened to arrest and send anyone involved in erecting back the roadblocks to Juba for punishment.
“Either you are from Military Intelligence, National Security, police, or revenue; no one should put up a roadblock. If you do it, you will be arrested and sent to Juba,” he said.
The governor ordered the army under the control of the roadblocks to vacate roads and go back to their respective divisions.
“From today, all of you can go back to where you came from. Now you can go to your cars and go back to your division,” he said.
Recently, South Sudan President Salva Kiir directed the Chief of Defense Forces to remove all the illegal roadblocks across the country.
Kiir’s order came after serious protest by truck drivers due to a series of roadblocks on roads with soldiers demanding a lot of money.
Also, in the 8th Governors Forum, it was resolved that the need to remove all the illegal roadblocks across the country to ease movement was necessary.
Before the Warrap governor’s intervention to remove illegal roadblocks Traveling from Tonj town, in Tonj South County of Warrap State, to Wau in Western Bahr el Ghazal State has become increasingly challenging due to checkpoints.
Drivers were forced to navigate six checkpoints manned by armed personnel who demanded varying amounts of money.
At each illegal checkpoint, drivers are often forced to stop to either pay a fee or plead with the officer present for permission to pass.
As a result, drivers find themselves left with little choice but to comply with the demands of the personnel at these checkpoints in order to complete their journey.