JUBA – Chairperson of the South Sudan Boat Union, Moses Doup Nyander, on Wednesday called on the government to take urgent action to address insecurity hindering the free movement of people with goods along the Nile River.
This call came after boat owners suspended operations for at least six months due to insecurity, extortion, and repeated attacks on boats along the Nile.
“The roads are not functional; the only viable route is the Nile. But traders are afraid due to raids and the risks involved,” Doup told Sudans Post in an interview on Wednesday.
He said insecurity has cut off most states that depended on the Nile for transportation from accessing critical basic necessities.
He also cited the presence of illegal checkpoints at ports along the Nile is causing significant losses for traders.
Reports indicate that over 150 illegal checkpoints have been established along the Nile from Juba to Unity State, which collect huge amounts of money from traders, leading to rise on goods and soaring commodity prices.
Doup said without the government’s urgent intervention, the situation could worsen, particularly for northern communities already facing insecurity and flood damage.
“We urge the government to organize the route and deploy well-trained forces to end attacks and raids on boats so that essential services can reach the people.”
He claimed gunmen reportedly seized money, goods, and other valuable items from transporters.
He further stated that the government maintains 25 checkpoints, while opposition forces (IO) operate over 45, in addition to numerous county-level checkpoints—all of which negatively impact trade.
In February 2025, the Unity State government removed more than 30 illegal road checkpoints and over 20 along the Nile in Leer, Panyijar, and Yiendit, Koch, after youth accepted to adopt the resolution of the 2024 8th governors’ forum on the removal of illegal checkpoints across the country, but the boat union says more action is needed to ensure safe and efficient river transport.
