Ten Kenyan truck drivers have been detained in Yirol, northern South Sudan, under unclear circumstances.
In a statement issued on Saturday, May 2, the Long-Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) said the detentions have further escalated tensions along the Nimule–Juba corridor, where cargo movement has now stalled for the fourth day due to worsening insecurity.
The association said the truck drivers were taken to an undisclosed location without formal charges or communication.
“The Long-Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) issues this statement regarding the ongoing industrial action by drivers along the Nimule-Juba corridor, now in its fourth day,” read the statement in part.
“The situation has further escalated this morning in Yirol, where ten (10) Kenyan drivers are reportedly being held under unclear circumstances and have been taken to an undisclosed location without formal charges or communication.”
LoDDCA said the industrial action arises from a sustained and escalating pattern of insecurity targeting truck drivers along the route, with conditions in Nimule deteriorating sharply.
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It revealed that drivers held in prolonged traffic queues are increasingly exposed to attacks, harassment, and extortion, with incidents of physical assault reported on a near-weekly basis.
“A recent attack that left a Kenyan driver with severe head injuries underscores the gravity of the situation. These are not isolated incidents, but evidence of a persistent failure to guarantee the safety and protection of transport workers who are critical to regional trade,” LoDDCA added.
The association said it fully supports the decision by drivers to suspend operations until clear and enforceable security measures are implemented, warning that the risks along the route have become unacceptable.
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LoDDCA Issues Five Demands
LoDDCA has issued a set of demands, which includes the immediate and unconditional release of all detained drivers, disclosure of their whereabouts, and assurance that any legal proceedings are conducted transparently and in accordance with the law.
It also called for the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators involved in attacks and extortion, as well as disciplinary action against any officials implicated in unlawful detention or abuse.
The group urged the deployment of stronger security patrols along the Nimule–Juba corridor, the elimination of illegal fees and extortion practices, and compensation for victims affected by violence or loss.
They have further called for an end to all illegal charges, including unlawful fees, extortion, and non-transparent customs practices imposed on transporters.
Finally, the drivers are seeking full and timely compensation from the Government of South Sudan for all those affected by violence, loss, or damage along the route.
LoDDCA has called upon the Government of South Sudan, relevant security agencies, and regional authorities to act with urgency, transparency, and accountability in resolving the crisis.
The association said the situation has now moved beyond a transport dispute and represents a matter of human rights, the rule of law, and the stability of regional trade.
It maintained that no movement will resume until the safety, dignity, and rights of drivers are fully guaranteed.
