18 Aug 2021 | 09:42 AM UTC
South Sudan: Unidentified assailants ambush a bus along Juba-Nimule road Aug. 16; at least five killed
Unidentified assailants ambush a bus and kill five people near Loa, along Juba-Nimule road, Eastern Equatoria State, South Sudan, Aug. 16.
Event
Unidentified assailants killed five people, including two nurses traveling on a private minibus from Loa, Eastern Equatoria state, along the Juba-Nimule road, Aug. 16. The travelers were returning to Juba after attending a church event. There have been no claims of responsibility for the attacks.
The Juba-Nimule road is a key road for the transport of cargo to and from Uganda. South Sudan relies on cross-border transport for the delivery of goods. South Sudanese officials are likely to prioritize security along major routes and near crossing points over the near term. Further attacks remain possible.
Context
Since April 2020, several attacks have been reported along the Yei-Juba and Juba-Nimule routes. The Sudanese government has blamed the attacks on National Salvation Front (NAS) rebels. NAS is an anti-government armed group based in the south of the country.
Advice
Exercise caution while traveling in South Sudan. Avoid travel at night and consider travel in convoy. Liaise with trusted sources on the status of routes before departure. Maintain regular contact with diplomatic representations if operating in southern South Sudan.
