Sixty trucks from Kenya, carrying military cargo, have been stranded in Juba, South Sudan for two months due to a standoff between transporters, contractors, and the purchasing authority.
This was revealed by The Kenya Transporters Association Ltd (KTA) on Tuesday, March 4, during an appeal to Kenyan and South Sudan governments.
KTA noted that the truck drivers left Kenya with instructions to drop the cargo in Juba only for the terms of engagement to be changed midjourney.
The cargo, which belongs to the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), was entrusted to contractors and subcontractors for delivery.
“Our members were misled by the contractors into believing that the units would be delivered to Juba, not Abyei,” KTA remarked on what caused the detention.
Once the trucks reached Juba, UNISFA indicated that they were meant for another region Abyei which has since caused unresolved disputes between UNISFA, its contractors and subcontractors.
“UNISFA's decision to contract apparently dishonest contractors for the delivery of military vehicles and units to Abyei has resulted in substantial losses for transporters and their drivers, even leading to a humanitarian crisis,” KTA stated.
KTA wondered why its drivers were being subjected to hardships and suffering while delivering essential goods and materials to Abyei.
With delivery to Abyei no longer seemingly feasible, KTA wants the truck drivers to be allowed to offload the cargo in any United Nations-designated compound in Juba.
This measure would enable the trucks to return and engage in other activities, thereby mitigating further losses.
“UNISFA needs to ensure that the contractors and subcontractors fulfil their financial obligations to the transporters, including compensation for the detention of their trucks and the agreed-upon transport charges,” KTA further demanded.
KTA revealed that they had unsuccessfully tried to engage the South Sudanese embassy in Kenya and the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“The situation is causing immense suffering for the drivers stranded in South Sudan, while the businesses of the transporters are incurring significant losses,” KTA lamented.
