South Sudan condemns killing of innocent traders

South Sudan has stated it is shocked by the killing of Kenyan and Ugandan traders, including South Sudanese nationals following ambushes by armed men along Yei-Juba and Juba-Nimule roads.

In a statement released on Friday, South Sudan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that similar attacks with casualties also took place along Kaya-Yei road.

"We believe that pockets of rebel groups who are opposed to the ongoing implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the conflict in South Sudan, are behind these unnecessary deadly attacks," read a statement released on Friday.

The statement further read that South Sudan is always indebted to Uganda and Kenya for their un-waivered demonstration of solidarity with the people of South Sudan.

"In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on behalf of the Government and the people of South Sudan, condemns in the strongest terms possible the killings which targeted innocent traders and civilians who were trying to exercise their right to free movement," read the statement.

The government of South Sudan has ensured of its diligence and commitment to closely work together with the governments of Kenya and Uganda to address the atrocities being perpetrated by the enemies of peaceful coexistence to enable safe and free movement of peoples, goods and services.

This comes after the Kenya Transporters Association raised concerns over the number of Kenyan trucks being set ablaze and drivers killed in South Sudan.

“We wish to advise transporters not to use the Yei – Juba road as there is no guaranteed security by the authorities,” the Association said in a statement.

The association told its members to withdraw their services from South Sudan immediately until security is assured.

“Those already en-route, we advise that you arrange with your clients to collect their goods at the Customers yard in Elegu Border,” the association added.

The Juba-Nimule highway connects the capital of South Sudan to the border with Uganda, the main route Kenyan drivers use to ferry transit goods to South Sudan.