By Yiep Joseph
More than 30 illegal checkpoints along the Nile River between Juba and Malakal in Upper Nile State are still functional.
According to South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) Spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang, the illegal check point are slated for removal.
While progress has been made in dismantling illegal roadblocks on land routes, river transport has continued to be hampered by illicit checkpoints, forcing traders to pay exorbitant fees.
Addressing journalists last week, SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang revealed that 35 checkpoints on the Nile River await removal.
“SPLA-IO has 33 roadblocks along the Nile River. Agwelek of former Olony forces has two. General Olony agreed that he will remove his two checkpoints.” Lul said.
He claimed that due to resistance, the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) relaxed the removal of the checkpoint along the Nile plan to meet the opposition forces.
“Our Chief of Defense Forces, because he does not want confrontation with SPLA-IO left out the removal of checkpoints along the river Nile,” he said.
“So, CDF said he would like to meet his counterpart first on how to come up with a plan on the removal of checkpoints without fighting,” he added.
However, in a separate media briefing, Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, the spokesperson for the SPLA-IO, accused the SSPDF of using the removal of checkpoints as a way to expand their territorial control.
“We are not against the dismantling of illegal checkpoints, but the unification of forces has not yet been completed. There are still areas controlled by the SPLA-IO designated as assembly areas, he said.
Paul expressed that since the forces are not unified, checkpoints under SPLA-IO remain for security, not for collecting taxes.
He added that SPLA-IO forces are not against the closure of illegal checkpoints but only demand consultation and cooperation to ensure a peaceful process.
“The checkpoints in these areas serve primarily for security purposes, not for taxation,” he said,” he added.
These illegal levies have contributed to high prices in Upper Nile’s hard-to-reach areas, as traders are forced to pass on the added costs to consumers.
The situation became so dire in 2024 that boat owners suspended operations in protest, demanding the removal of the checkpoints.
Recently, Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony, former leader of the SPLA-IO Kitgwang Agwelek faction, was appointed as the Assistant Chief of Defence Forces for Mobilization and Disarmament.
In his new role, Johnson Olony will focus on disarming illegal firearms held by civilians across the country as well as dealing with checkpoints.
He will also work to permanently dismantle illegal checkpoints on roads and along the River Nile. Additionally, he will be tasked with any other responsibilities assigned to him by the leadership of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).
According to the statement extended to the media, Army Spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang revealed only new tasks, including disarmament.
“The national army wishes him (Johnson Olony) success and good luck as he (Johnson Olony) assumes his assignment under the following terms: disarm illegal firearms in the possession of the civil population countrywide,” the statement partly read.