South Sudan Army Denies Abducting Ugandan Drivers in Bor

The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has strongly denied accusations that its soldiers were involved in the alleged abduction of Ugandan truck drivers and the seizure of their vehicles in Bor town, Jonglei State.

SSPDF spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang stated that the perpetrators were not members of the national army but rather armed civilians. “The allegations or the acts were not committed by South Sudanese soldiers or the SSPDF. They were allegedly committed by armed civilians,” Koang explained.

He further clarified that incidents involving foreign drivers and their vehicles falling under the purview of state security were the responsibility of Jonglei state authorities. “If Ugandan drivers are being attacked, threatened by armed youth and intimidated at local ports…it is the jurisdiction of the state apparatus to protect them,” he added.

These denials come in the wake of reports detailing the alleged abduction of six Ugandan drivers and the seizure of several trucks laden with salted fish destined for Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Some reports suggested the commandeered trucks were used by armed youth to transport them after a failed cattle raid.

Sources, including truck drivers speaking anonymously for fear of reprisal, described being forced at gunpoint to drive seized trucks. One driver recounted an escape after being coerced to drive a vehicle he didn’t have the keys for. The general security situation in Bor remains tense, with many drivers reportedly in hiding and advised against travelling to the area.

Amuru Resident District Commissioner, Geoffrey Osborn Oceng, confirmed that Ugandan security personnel are liaising with their South Sudanese counterparts to address the alleged abductions and vehicle seizures, while urging Ugandan traders to prioritize their safety.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/south-sudanese-army-denies-abducting-ugandan-drivers