South Sudan’s Chamber of commerce calls for justice for slain foreign traders

Deputy Chairperson of South Sudan National Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Salwa Bakony Monytuel.

The South Sudan’s National Chamber of Commerce , Industry and Agriculture says they are dismayed and shocked by the killing of Kenyan and Ugandan traders by armed men along Nimule- Juba and Juba- Yei roads.Speaking during a press conference on Monday Salwa Bakony Monytuel, Deputy Chairperson of South Sudan’s National Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture condemned the killing which targeted the innocent foreign traders and therefore called on Transitional Government of National Unity to immediately act to apprehend the culprits.
She expressed deep concern on the current stand-off of more than 2,000 trucks at Elegu border of Uganda which she said could lead to shortage and hike of prices of commodities in the market.
“The current stand-off of transporters at Elegu border of Uganda is of great concern to the Chamber of Commerce because it will likely lead to shortage of products and may hike the prices of commodities in our markets,” Bakony told reporters.
She said that Chamber of Commerce is working with government to find solutions and urged their partners in the private sector in the East African Community to allow the flow of goods and services to South Sudan while the security concern for the safety of drivers and properties are addressed.
“The Chamber of Commerce assures of its diligence and obligation to work closely with the government to address these shameless killings being committed by armed men along the highways to enable safe and free movement of traders across the country.” She Bakony.
Last week, eight (8) Ugandans were shot dead by armed men along Juba-Yei highway while heading to Juba for business and similar attacks along Juba-Nimule highway led to killing of five Ugandan and Kenyan traders while three other people were injured on Thursday.
Bakony appealed to the government to address the insecurity along the roads to allow flow of goods into the country.
“We are calling on the government to deploy organised forces along major roads in order to allow free movement of people and goods.” She added.