Kenyan Truck Drivers Suspend South Sudan Operations After Fresh Attacks

Kenyan truck drivers have been advised to suspend operations in South Sudan after a driver was allegedly abducted and assaulted by security personnel along the Juba–Wau route.

The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association of Kenya (LoDDCA) said the incident occurred late on Friday afternoon at the Pilpham Roadblock. The driver was reportedly attacked with knives and suffered serious bruising. Footage released by the association shows him receiving medical treatment for his injuries.

The incident came days after another Kenyan driver, Ahmed Salat, was reportedly shot dead while transporting cargo to Wau. His turnman survived the attack and is said to be in critical condition. Photographs shared by LoDDCA show bullet holes in the truck's cabin.

Following the two incidents, LoDDCA instructed drivers at border points including Elegu, Malaba and Busia to park their vehicles and stop all movement until further notice. Drivers preparing to load cargo were also ordered to suspend their plans.

The association also urged foreign drivers who are currently in South Sudan to leave the country if they are able to do so.

“Enough is enough! Our drivers deserve safety and protection,” LoDDCA said in its advisory.

Kenyan truck drivers have for years reported cases of harassment, extortion and violence while operating on South Sudan's roads. Operating guidelines introduced in 2021 require drivers to travel in convoys, limit movement to daylight hours and seek police escorts in high-risk areas.

LoDDCA, however, said the measures have not been enforced consistently and have failed to provide adequate protection for drivers. The association has called on South Sudanese authorities to increase security patrols along major transport routes and provide transporters with timely information about security conditions.

“We risk our lives keeping the economy moving, yet our safety continues to be ignored. How many more drivers must be abducted, assaulted or killed before this regime takes action?” the association said.

The suspension threatens to disrupt a major regional trade corridor used to transport goods between Kenya, Uganda and South Sudan. Continued insecurity could also affect the movement of cargo and increase the risks faced by transporters operating across the region.

For now, LoDDCA has maintained that Kenyan drivers should not resume operations until adequate security measures and credible guarantees for their safety are provided.