The recruitment aims to bolster security along the waterways where illegal checkpoints, rampant looting, and excessive taxation have made the transportation system increasingly perilous, particularly for humanitarian aid shipments.
SSPDF Spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang, speaking at a press briefing in Juba, highlighted the severity of the issue: “Reports indicate up to 86 illegal checkpoints, with some sources citing 63 between Juba and Renk. These barriers are significantly obstructing aid delivery to seven states and administrative areas along the Nile.”
Gen. Lul explained that each of the ten states is expected to contribute 240 recruits, while each administrative area will provide 200, totalling 3,000 new personnel for the Riverine Force.
He stressed that the recruitment responds to urgent appeals from local communities, humanitarian organisations, and the United Nations, all of whom have raised alarms over frequent attacks and extortion along the river route.
“At these checkpoints, people are charged exorbitant fees, and by the time goods reach their destinations, the costs are passed on to consumers. We must take action,” Lul stated. “Additional manpower is critical, and that’s why we are recruiting now.”
Lul emphasised that the initiative will ensure safer access for humanitarian agencies relying on the Nile as a vital transportation corridor, as well as for civilians.
In a related development, the SSPDF spokesperson also announced an open recruitment drive to enlist 1,000 South Sudanese to fill vacancies in the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces’ peacekeeping contingent, with the process set to span six months.
This training initiative is part of a broader effort to serve the nation and join 120 countries contributing troops to United Nations Peacekeeping missions.
