South Sudan’s Army Chief Orders Immediate Closure of Illegal Checkpoints Following Security Clash

South Sudan’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Dr Paul Nyang, has ordered all organised forces across the country to dismantle illegal checkpoints operating along major roads and rivers. The directive comes in the wake of a recent security clash involving the convoy of Information Minister Hon. Michael Makuei Lueth at the Mapau checkpoint, while en route to Bor, the capital of Jonglei State.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred when soldiers at the checkpoint attempted to block the minister’s convoy, which was escorting the body of the late Amama Atong, wife of Bishop Garang, who had passed away in Juba. Despite the confrontation, Minister Makuei proceeded safely to Bor under tight security to attend the burial ceremony.

Minister Makuei, widely recognised for his loyalty to President Salva Kiir and his reputation for speaking openly and defending government policy, remains one of the most influential political figures in Jonglei State.

Sources told this outlet that the clash stemmed from a misunderstanding between loyal security forces, and emphasised that the minister did not require prior authorisation from the military to travel within the country. “It is not the first time that senior officials have travelled by land without such documents,” one witness stated, noting that many high-ranking figures routinely use ground transport for domestic trips.

General Nyang’s order aims to restore discipline, ensure free movement of citizens, and curb the harassment of travellers by unauthorised armed personnel. The move is seen as a step toward improving security coordination and reinforcing national unity amid growing calls for accountability within the armed forces.

Source: https://ozarab.media/south-sudans-army-chief-orders-immediate-closure-of-illegal-checkpoints-following-security-clash/