Kenyan Drivers Held In South Sudan For Five Days Amidst Growing Tension

Several Kenyan truck drivers have found themselves at the center of a mounting crisis at the Elegu Uganda-South Sudan border, where they have been detained for five days under unclear circumstances.

The Long-Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) has issued an urgent statement demanding immediate action from both the Kenyan and South Sudanese governments to resolve the issue.

LoDDCA is calling for the prompt release of all detained drivers, emphasizing that the arrests appear to be arbitrary, with no clear explanation or charges provided.

The drivers, who were detained without being informed of the reasons behind their arrests, have been enduring significant hardships during their time in custody.

This incident is just one in a series of escalating grievances voiced by the association, which includes issues such as arbitrary arrests, extortion, insecurity, and deteriorating road conditions along key transport routes.

In particular, drivers plying the Nimule-Juba highway, which connects South Sudan to Uganda, have raised concerns over the poor state of the road, with numerous potholes and overgrowth hindering their passage.

“The Nimule-Juba highway is in terrible condition, with deep potholes and overgrown bushes.

We urge South Sudanese authorities to take immediate action to repair the road by sealing the potholes and clearing the vegetation at least 100 meters from the road,” said LoDDCA in its statement.

Additionally, drivers have expressed frustration over the lack of clear and accessible traffic laws in South Sudan.

The absence of published regulations has led to confusion, unfair treatment, and widespread extortion by local authorities, further jeopardizing the safety of drivers.

LoDDCA is calling for the urgent gazettement and publication of all traffic laws to ensure transparency and fairness in enforcement.

“The lack of clear traffic regulations has caused significant confusion and unfair treatment of drivers,” said the association.

“We demand that South Sudan immediately publish and distribute all road transportation laws, including the Traffic Acts, to prevent misunderstandings and reduce confrontations with authorities.”

LoDDCA has also called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained Kenyan drivers and their crews.

In addition, they are pressing for urgent repairs to the roads and the implementation of enhanced safety measures to protect drivers from exploitation and harm.

“Authorities must take swift action to fix the road by sealing all potholes and clearing bushes along the Nimule-Juba highway.

 This is crucial to ensure the safety and smooth passage of drivers,” LoDDCA stressed.

 “South Sudan must also publish and distribute all road transportation laws to eliminate confusion and improve interactions with drivers.”

The association has further suggested that establishing an Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Elegu in Uganda could help mitigate the risks of traveling to South Sudan, especially in light of the current security challenges at the border.

As the situation continues to escalate, LoDDCA is calling for urgent dialogue between the governments of Kenya and South Sudan to resolve the issues faced by their drivers and ensure their safety on the roads.

ALSO READ;

Five Killed As Perimeter Wall Collapses In Miritini, Mombasa County