South Sudan’s top security chiefs have resolved to permanently dismantle illegal checkpoints and deploy joint highway patrols in response to rising insecurity and mounting public outcry over harassment and ambushes along major roads.
The decision was reached on Wednesday during a high-level meeting that brought together the leadership of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), the National Police Service, and the National Security Service (NSS) to assess the country’s worsening security situation.
According to a statement issued by SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, the security organs agreed to coordinate efforts aimed at restoring free and safe movement of people and goods across the country.
“After lengthy and fruitful deliberations, they resolved to collaborate and work collectively to permanently eliminate illegal roadblocks, form joint security forces to conduct regular road patrols, and track down and hold accountable groups that re-establish illegal checkpoints,” Maj. Gen. Lul said in the directive.
The move comes amid a surge in highway ambushes, particularly in the Equatoria region and along the Juba–Bor road, where several travelers and truck drivers have been attacked in recent months.
South Sudan’s security situation has deteriorated since March 2025, following renewed fighting between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and suspended First Vice President Riek Machar, raising fears of a relapse into full-scale conflict.
Authorities say the latest crackdown aims not only to curb insecurity but also to eliminate the illegal revenue collection and extortion that have long plagued transport routes and undermined public confidence in the country’s security forces.
