Several Kenyan drivers have found themselves in the middle of an escalating crisis at the Elegu Uganda-South Sudan border.
A group of Kenyan truck drivers have been detained for five days in South Sudan under unclear circumstances.
According to a statement by the Long-Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA), demanding urgent action from both the Kenyan and South Sudanese governments to address the ongoing issues.
Further, LoDDCA is calling for the immediate release of all detained drivers, saying that the arrests were arbitrary, and their detention lacked clear justification.
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The Desperate Situation of the Detained Kenyan Drivers
The drivers, who were detained without being informed of the charges against them, have faced hardships during their time in custody.
This incident has added to a growing list of grievances from the association including arbitrary arrests, extortion, insecurity, and deteriorating road infrastructure.
The association has detailed that drivers plying the route have complained about confusion over traffic laws in South Sudan, which are not clearly published or accessible.
“The Nimule-Juba highway is in poor condition, with numerous potholes and overgrowth. LoDDCA urges South Sudan authorities to address these issues by sealing all potholes and clearing bushes for at least 100 meters from the road,” the association added.
Moreover, there is a lack of transparency in the rules has led to unfair treatment. Drivers have reported widespread extortion and victimization by authorities, highlighting the urgent need to address these financial exploitations to ensure drivers’ safety
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Consequently, LoDDCA is pushing for the gazettement and publication of all traffic regulations to ensure clarity and fairness.
“Traffic laws in South Sudan are not clearly published, leading to confusion and unfair treatment. LoDDCA demands the immediate gazetting and publication of all traffic regulations to ensure transparency and fairness.”
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Other Demands Made by the Association
The association has called for the immediate and unconditional release of all the detained Kenyan drivers and their crews.
Additionally, they have called for the repair of the roads and new safety measures.
“Authorities must take urgent action to seal all potholes and clear bushes along the Nimule-Juba highway to ensure the safety and smooth passage of drivers,” LoDDCA noted.
“South Sudan must publish and distribute all road transportation laws, including the Traffic Acts, to prevent misunderstandings and reduce confrontation with drivers.”
It has also called for the establishment of an Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Elegu in Uganda will help reduce the risks associated with travelling to South Sudan, especially given the current security situation.
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