South Sudan Military Attributes Deadly Bus Attack to Rebel Group

A passenger bus on the Juba-Nimule Highway was ambushed on Tuesday night, resulting in the death of one Ugandan national, seven injuries, and 14 kidnappings. The South Sudan military accused NAS rebels of the attack, which the rebels denied. The incident underscores the ongoing security issues along this vital transportation route, which has a history of violence and ambushes.

On Tuesday night, a tragic attack on a passenger bus traveling from Juba to Kampala resulted in the death of a Ugandan national, injuring seven others and leading to the abduction of 14 individuals. Army spokesman General Lul Ruai Koang reported that the incident occurred along the Juba-Nimule Highway in the Jebelen area during the early hours, between 8:00 am and 9:00 am. The South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) Intelligence Service promptly attributed the attack to the National Salvation Front (NAS) rebels, a claim that the group has vehemently denied. NAS, under the leadership of former army deputy Thomas Cirillo, has a history of acknowledging similar acts targeting travelers on the highway, often motivated by extortion or political statements. This faction notably refused to endorse the 2018 peace agreement which established the current unity government headed by President Salva Kiir. During a media briefing, General Koang asserted that intelligence reports indicated unusual movements by NAS rebels within the week leading up to the attack, and he emphasized that security forces responded immediately. “We have verified that NAS rebels were behind the attack,” he stated, lamenting the unfortunate targeting of civilians amidst the ongoing security challenges. Countering these allegations, NAS spokesperson Samuel Suba stated, “NAS strongly refutes the lies from [SSPDF] spokesperson. This statement is false and must be treated with the contempt it deserves. The statement is a reaction aimed to cover up the regime failure in providing security not only on Juba-Nimule Road but also for the people and the territorial integrity of South Sudan.” In light of the incident, the University of Bahr El Ghazal mourned the loss of one of its teaching assistants, Ustaz Joseph Thomas, expressing deep sorrow over his untimely death and offering condolences to his family and the university community. The Juba-Nimule Highway, a crucial artery constructed with US funding in 2012, has increasingly become fraught with danger since the onset of conflict in 2013, evolving into the sole operational route for goods transport between South Sudan and Uganda amidst pervasive insecurity. The highway has been marked by numerous violent incidents, underscoring the ongoing peril of travel in the area despite government efforts to bolster security with armed escorts. Overall, this recent ambush exemplifies the complex security landscape in South Sudan, as multiple actors continue to contribute to instability along vital transportation routes.

This incident highlights the persistent insecurity in South Sudan, particularly along the Juba-Nimule Highway, which has become notorious for attacks and ambushes. The highway is essential for transportation between South Sudan and Uganda, linking to broader East African trade routes. Since conflict erupted in 2013, there has been heightened volatility, with various militia groups operating in the region. The government has struggled to provide adequate security, which has led to repeated tragedies along this critical corridor. The NAS, a rebel group that declined to sign a significant peace agreement, has been implicated in similar incidents in the past, further complicating the political landscape.

The recent bus attack in South Sudan aligns with ongoing security challenges facing the nation, particularly around vital transport routes. With Government forces blaming NAS rebels and the group vehemently denying these allegations, the incident underscores the complexities of maintaining safety in the region. Moreover, the response from the University of Bahr El Ghazal signifies the human impact of such violence, as communities mourn the loss of individuals due to the pervasive insecurity. This situation demands urgent attention and action to restore safety and stability along critical transportation routes in South Sudan.

Original Source: www.theeastafrican.co.ke