The Republic of South Sudan has offered Kenyan truck drivers operating in its territory security from its National Army after an uproar over rising insecurity.
Speaking to the press, the Kenya Long Distance Truck Drivers and Allied Workers Union Secretary General Nicholas Mbugua noted that the Inspector General of Police in South Sudan had assured them of protection.
The drivers had lamented insecurity along a highway leading to Juba where they would be attacked and lose their valuables as well.
Mbugua explained that South Sudan had agreed to deploy its National Army officers along the highway to protect the drivers. They would be stationed 10 meters apart.
"We had a problem of insecurity of our drivers but I have just spoken to the Inspector General of South Sudan who has assured me that the safety of our members will be given the first priority from now.
"He has assured me that after every 10 kilometers there will be government army guarding the corridor from Nimule to Juba," stated Mbugua.
A representative from South Sudan speculated that the attacks were sponsored by individuals who sought to cut off the link between the port of Mombasa and Juba.
The unscrupulous businessmen were seeking to have traders turn to the port of South Sudan.
"The people doing this acts, the rebels along Nimule - Juba road, who are killing innocent drivers, have a motive to disrupt the supply chain between Mombasa and South Sudan. So that the people of South Sudan opt to shift to another port, like the port of South Sudan," he explain.
The new agreement between the association and South Sudan brings to an end a call for a two-week boycott of Cargo transport to the neighbouring country.
On August 22, two Kenyans were killed and a truck set on fire as the tension surged leading to the strike.
The association then issued a travel advisory to Juba paralysing operations along the Juba-Alegu Road, Juba-Nimule Road and Juba-Yei road.
“We wish to advise all transporters not to risk the lives of their drivers and their trucks by continuing to offer transport services to South Sudan.
“Further loss of life is unacceptable and compensation of lives and property lost needs to be resolved," cautioned the advisory.
