JUBA – Deputy Speaker of South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislative Assembly, Nathaniel Oyet, on Tuesday expressed concern over the resurgence of illegal checkpoints along Juba-Nimule highway.
In December 2024, President Salva Kiir ordered all checkpoints to be demolished following complaints from traders that soldiers were collecting illegal and unlawful penalties.
In a statement seen by Sudans Post on Tuesday, Oyet said he was informed by business community that 30 illegal roadblocks have been set up along the Juba-Nimule highway.
“For the past 48 hours, reports from the business community, particularly cargo drivers and owners of goods and services, are that they are stranded, and others are stuck, unable to pay and move, with over 30 illegal checkpoints and extortions of money from businessmen and women,” Oyet said.
According to him, the traders said that soldiers had extorted money from them.
“A Fuso driver arrived at Nimule from Juba after paying a total of SSP 1.9m with no single receipt to checkpoints.”
He disclosed that in order to take prompt action against the reopening of unlawful checkpoints, he will contact the Office of Chief of Defense Force and his deputy.
“Traders remain at the mercy of checkpoints. Calling upon the Ministries of Defense and Interior to implement the Presidential Orders to clear all illegal checkpoints along all roads.”
