South Sudan Minister Demands Removal of Roadblocks to Alleviate Burden on Traders and Civilians

By Jackson Gaaniko

In a significant move towards improving trade and easing the financial burden on civilians, Hon. Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro, the minister in the office of the president, has demanded the removal of roadblocks along the Juba-Yambio Road. Traders and civilians have been grappling with exorbitant taxes and the collection of money by soldiers at these checkpoints.

The directive to remove all illegal checkpoints and roadblocks across South Sudan was issued by the country’s president. Hon. Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro, as the presidential minister, has taken the responsibility to ensure the order is promptly implemented in the Western Equatoria state.

Citing the president’s instructions, Bakosoro emphasized that the removal of roadblocks was mandated by the constitution. He stressed that it was a collective decision for all the governors in South Sudan to adhere to the directive and eliminate illegally placed roadblocks.

The urgency to address this issue stems from the grievances voiced by traders and civilians who encounter multiple roadblocks on their journeys from Juba to Yambio. Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba, speaking at the second-anniversary event in Yambio, highlighted the challenges faced by traders due to the presence of more than 28 roadblocks along this crucial route. These obstacles have significantly impacted businesses, leading to some of them collapsing under the financial strain.

To further amplify the concerns, a concerned citizen in Mundri West County recently wrote a letter to the governors of Western Equatoria and Central Equatoria highlighting the excessive number of roadblocks manned by soldiers on the Juba-Mundri road. The citizen urged the authorities to take action and remove these checkpoints, as they not only obstructed the smooth flow of traffic but also raised questions about the government’s revenue generation from roads.

In response to these pleas, the Western Equatoria state government, led by Governor Alfred Futuyo, has been urged to prioritize the removal of illegal roadblocks and take measures to reduce taxes. The removal of these checkpoints will not only facilitate trade but also alleviate the financial burden on traders and civilians.

The directive from Hon. Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro, endorsed by the president, signals a commitment to creating a more conducive environment for trade and fostering economic growth within South Sudan. The impact of removing roadblocks along the Juba-Yambio Road is expected to contribute significantly to the better.