South Sudan: Roadside ambushes reported in Jonglei and Lakes states July 14 and 15

Event

Police in South Sudan reported two roadside attacks in the south of the country on July 14 and 15, leaving two civilians dead and several wounded. The first ambush took place on Tuesday, July 14, in Jonglei state on the Juba-Bor road, near Mongalla town, with unknown gunmen targeting a commercial vehicle, killing one person. Police subsequently announced they would begin providing security escorts between Juba and Bor. The second attack took place on Wednesday, July 15, in Yirol County, Lakes state. Gunmen targeted motorcyclists, killing one and injuring three. Yirol County has seen multiple roadside attacks in recent weeks, with one person killed and three women abducted in attacks the last week alone. Local authorities have called for an increased security presence in the area.

Further roadside bandit attacks are likely in the near term.

Context

Overland travel in all areas of South Sudan is hazardous. Banditry and lawlessness are common in remote regions, particularly along the borders with the DRC and Central African Republic. Violent crime in such areas often targets foreign nationals and there have been reports of foreign aid workers being victims of kidnapping, armed robbery, carjacking and murder. Criminal and militant ambushes occur regularly on roads in isolated parts of the country as well as on routes leading to Juba. The Juba-Nimule road and other routes near the border with Uganda have seen a particularly high number of attacks on convoys and single vehicles in recent years.

Advice

Due to the high threat of violent crime, all travel to South Sudan should be subject to a thorough localized threat assessment and undertaken in coordination with a trusted security provider. Travelers are advised to subject all travel, particularly to remote and rural areas, to strict journey management protocols. Avoid travel at night, vary routines, and maintain a heightened sense of situational awareness. Monitor local media sources to remain apprised of security-related developments and adhere to any directives issued by local authorities.