The Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), Edmond Yakani, has issued a strong public appeal to the Ministry of Interior, condemning what he described as escalating harassment, intimidation, and unlawful conduct by some traffic police officers in Juba.
In a video statement released on Saturday, Yakani said he personally witnessed three disturbing incidents involving traffic police officers allegedly intimidating both South Sudanese and foreign drivers.
The incidents occurred at the Juba University roundabout, the Beijing Hotel junction, and the Mobil roundabout near the office of the Governor of Central Equatoria State.
“These incidences were really disturbing, intimidating, and harassing,” Yakani said.
“The nature of these acts committed by some of our traffic police officers against drivers motivated me to come out publicly.”
He emphasized that the pattern of abuse appears to disproportionately target foreign drivers, who he said often face humiliation and extortion by “criminal-minded traffic police officers.”
According to Yakani, these actions are damaging South Sudan’s international image and eroding public trust.
Beyond harassment, Yakani raised concerns about alleged forced payments collected from water tanker drivers, which he says contribute to the rising cost of water in Juba.
“These compulsory collections are unlawful, and the cost is pushed directly to citizens through increased water prices,” he said.
Calling the incidents part of a long-standing pattern, Yakani urged the Ministry of Interior, the Acting Interior Minister, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director of Traffic Police to take immediate corrective action.
He appealed for the establishment of an effective public complaint system that enables citizens to report abuses and ensures disciplinary action against officers who violate the law.
“Respect for the law is important, but you cannot apply the law through intimidation, harassment, and looting,” Yakani stressed.
“There is a need to create discipline, order, and respect for the rule of law.”
Yakani warned that the continued mistreatment of foreign nationals risks tarnishing the country’s reputation, noting that many leave South Sudan with negative impressions of law enforcement behavior.
“It is giving us a bad name. When foreigners leave South Sudan, they talk ill of our traffic police officers’ behavior,” he said.
The CEPO chief reiterated that this is not the first time such concerns have been raised, urging authorities to take the issue seriously and address what he described as indiscipline and misuse of police power.
