The Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), Gen. Paul Nang Majok, has issued a directive for the immediate dismantling of all unauthorized checkpoints along the River Nile, in a move aimed at improving trade and easing transportation.
In a statement to the media on Friday, the SSPDF Spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said, the operation is being spearheaded by Lt. Gen. Theyip Gatluak TaiTai, Commander of Ground Forces, and Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony Thabo, Assistant Chief of Defense Forces for Mobilization and Disarmament.
“The directive is clear remove all illegal checkpoints from Juba to Malakal,” said Maj. Gen. Lul. “This operation starts in Juba County, Central Equatoria State, and will stretch all the way to Malakal town, Makal County in Upper Nile State.”
Lul emphasized that the removal of the checkpoints is a strategic initiative designed to boost the economy and promote regional stability.
“The objective is threefold,” he explained. “We want to increase the volume of trade and expand commercial activities, eliminate unnecessary and unauthorized taxes and levies, and ease river transportation to make it more effective and efficient.”
While the implementation of the previous order by President Salva Kiir faced resistance and eventually led to confrontations, the Chief of Military Intelligence, Lt. Gen. Marshal Stephen Babanen, has been tasked with overseeing the operation to ensure full compliance and timely implementation.
“The CDF has entrusted Lt. Gen. Babanen to supervise the execution of these orders diligently,” Maj. Gen. Lul added.
The move comes amid growing concerns from traders and transport operators about extortion and delays caused by unauthorized roadblocks and river checkpoints. SSPDF leadership has pledged continued efforts to streamline military conduct and support national development.
The directive also aligns with resolutions from last year’s 8th Governors’ Forum, during which Vice President and Chairperson for Infrastructure Cluster, Taban Deng Gai, underscored the importance of eradicating illegal checkpoints.
“This is a task we must fulfil,” Taban said at the forum. “The complete stoppage of roadblocks and illegal checkpoints—both on roads and rivers—is a resolution of this forum and a commitment of the national government.”
The forum also passed two key resolutions calling on the national government, in coordination with state and local authorities, to remove illegal checkpoints along major transport routes, including the Nile, Sobat, and Naam rivers. Additionally, it was resolved that the collection of unauthorized taxes along roads and waterways must be banned to support commerce and development.
The SSPDF leadership has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the directive and supporting efforts to create a more enabling environment for business and transport across the country.
