The South Sudanese Joint Command Council (JCC) has placed the Nimule-Juba highway under siege and issued an evacuation order for residents in Nimule and nearby areas to avoid potential military confrontations.
On Sunday, the JCC announced that Nimule town was under siege, and forces led by Cde John Aborcup Akuer had attacked a military base within Nimule town at Nimule Airstrip on October 11, serving as a warning to civilians to evacuate. However, the warning was largely ignored.
A statement obtained by this website stated, “Civilians in the vicinity of Nimule town and its surroundings are urged to evacuate immediately. Evacuate Nimule now.”
According to the JCC, they have informed President Kiir and South Sudanese community leaders in Juba and Kenya that the Nimule-Juba road is closed until further notice, disrupting trade between South Sudan and its East African Community (EAC) neighbors, as most goods pass through the Nimule-Juba highway.
Apparently, all vehicles traveling along the Nimule road highway, regardless of size or markings, are viewed as potential carriers of military cargo for President Kiir and Riak Machar’s military forces.
The Joint Command Council accuses the South Sudanese government of causing economic disparities within the country, including among soldiers.
The JCC stated, “Civilians across South Sudan are advised to stock up on food as the Nimule road will remain closed until the South Sudanese government agrees to pay each private soldier in the armed forces a monthly salary of USD 200.”
As of the latest reports, many cargo trucks waiting to enter South Sudan have come to a halt due to the volatile situation along the Nimule-Juba highway.
