South Sudan: Deadly ambush on Juba-Nimule highway August 2

Event

On Wednesday, August 2, heavily-armed unidentified men ambushed a bus convoy on the Juba-Nimule highway - the main road linking the capital Juba with the Ugandan border. According to a police spokesperson, at least four civilians were killed and ten others were wounded in the attack, and the death toll is expected to rise. Two of the attackers were also reportedly killed by gunfire from soldiers who were escorting the convoy.

Context

Violent crime is a significant threat throughout South Sudan and highway banditry and ambushes are common, particularly outside the capital. The Juba-Nimule highway - the transit route for all imports and often used by refugees fleeing the country’s civil war - is known to be particularly dangerous. Since January, the government has deployed military escorts for convoys traveling along the highway; however, at least five deadly attacks have occurred since then. For example, on June 8 members of the SPLA-IO rebel group, led by former Vice President Riek Machar, ambushed a convoy of buses killing 14 passengers and wounding 35 others.

Advice

Due to this and other security concerns, many Western governments advise against nonessential travel to South Sudan. Certain regions should be particularly avoided, including the states of Unity and Upper Nile, the north of Warrap state, parts of Eastern and Central Equatoria states, and areas along the border with the Central African Republic, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. If travel is necessary, ensure that proper security protocols are in place.