South Sudan’s government on Thursday said it’s in contact with their immediate neighboring countries of Uganda and Kenya to address insecurity along the border and Major highways in South Sudan.
In an interview with Juba Echo, the Spokesperson at the South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ambassador Edward Hakim said talks have already started with authorities from the neighbouring Uganda and Kenya to address the matter.
“Relevant government institutions on both sides are actually in contact with each other to ensure that the matter is addressed. There is full monitoring of the situation in all our borders by our military and security personnel,” Ambassador Edward Hakim, the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said.
The truck drivers from Kenya, Somali, Eritrea and Uganda are protesting over the killing of their colleagues and have refused to cross into South Sudan. This has resulted in hundreds of commercial trucks importing goods into south Sudan trapped at Elegu border checkpoint on the Ugandan side.
Hakim said that authorities in the three countries are aware about the negative impact of the unnecessary attacks on the free movement of people and goods and services, noting that measures have already been taken by the military to curb such violent occurrences.
“Measures have already been taken following that visit and that represents commitment and willingness of the government of the Republic of South Sudan to ensure that security is guaranteed and that the problem is brought to an end,” said Hakim.
He said the commercial trucks currently at Elegu will be provided with a huge escort to accompany them inside south Sudan.
“The government has taken steps, deploying security personnel to ensure safety of travellers, traders and their goods. If any necessity arises for further action by the three countries, measures will be taken at all levels to ensure matters are addressed in together,” he said.
The South Sudan’s Military Spokesperson, General Santo Domic said Thursday that the army has deployed along the key routes connecting South Sudan with the East African nations.
“South Sudan army at its capacity will ensure safety is guaranteed to travellers and traders along the roads connecting South Sudan to East Africa so that food and other commodities continue to come to the country.” Military spokesperson General Santo Domic reiterated.
