Kenyan truck drivers reject deal, prolonging standoff at South Sudan border
By Amina Wako |
The impasse, now in its twelfth day, stems from unresolved grievances over extortion, arbitrary arrests, and insecurity faced by drivers along the Juba-Nimule Highway.
Hundreds of Kenyan long-distance truck drivers are refusing to enter South Sudan despite a recently brokered deal aimed at resolving a long-standing stalemate.
The impasse, now in its twelfth day, stems from unresolved grievances over extortion, arbitrary arrests, and insecurity faced by drivers along the Juba-Nimule Highway.
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The crisis escalated on November 23, 2024, when the Association of Long-Distance Truck Drivers of the East African Community issued a strike notice to the South Sudanese government. In response, the Inspector General of South Sudan Police Service formed the Joint Operation Technical Committee (JOTC) to address the drivers’ concerns.
The JOTC, involving multiple security departments and revenue-collecting agencies, initiated discussions with drivers’ representatives.
A meeting on December 1 in Elegu culminated in 12 resolutions designed to ease tensions, including the removal of unnecessary roadblocks, suspension of a contentious $70 fee pending further review, and the cancellation of illegal immigration charges.
Despite these measures, the Long-Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) rejected the agreement, claiming it had been forced upon drivers. In a December 8 update, the LoDDCA upheld its position, announcing that no trucks would enter South Sudan until all grievances received satisfactory resolution.
“This was nullified by all drivers. We are still in a standoff. Tomorrow will be Day 12,” LoDDCA stated, reiterating their commitment to the strike.
The refusal to accept the deal follows reports of escalating tensions at the Elegu Uganda-South Sudan border, where several Kenyan drivers were detained for five days under unclear circumstances. LoDDCA asserts that the arrests were arbitrary and the detained individuals received no charges.
“These drivers faced significant hardships during their detention, which lacked clear justification,” LoDDCA emphasised in a statement, calling for immediate action from both the Kenyan and South Sudanese governments.
The association has consistently raised concerns over the conditions faced by drivers on the Juba-Nimule Highway. Complaints include extortion by officials, inadequate road infrastructure, and confusion over traffic laws, which are reportedly neither clear nor accessible.
“The ongoing issues highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reforms,” a representative of LoDDCA said. “Our drivers risk their lives daily to ensure trade flows between nations, yet their welfare is ignored.”
The JOTC’s resolutions, while promising on paper, have not translated into actionable change, according to drivers.
The refusal to enter South Sudan is not only disrupting regional trade but also raising concerns about the safety and rights of truck drivers in conflict-prone areas.
As the standoff persists, stakeholders are urging both governments to engage in meaningful dialogue and implement lasting solutions to safeguard drivers and sustain economic cooperation in the region.
“The current state of affairs is untenable,” said a truck driver stationed at the border. “We need tangible results, not promises that fall apart under pressure.”
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