outlaws vandalize Kenyan trucks in Southern Sudan

June 2, 2006 (NAIROBI) — Fifteen Kenyan-owned heavy commercial trucks involved in humanitarian emergency supplies to Southern Sudan are reported to have been attacked and vandalized by bandits at Bor-Kabweta.

The chairman of the Lokichoggio Business Community, Mohamed Mohamud, on Wednesday 31 May said most of the trucks were attacked along the Bor-Kabweta road while ferrying food and other emergency supplies to Southern Sudan.

“It is raining heavily in parts of Southern Sudan where our trucks are stuck, but armed Toposas are attacking us, taking away the food and vandalizing our trucks,” said Mohamud at the Lokichoggio district officer’s office, the Kenyan newspaper The Standard reported.

He said most of the trucks had been vandalized by the attackers, leaving behind only the empty body structures.

“Vital parts such as the engines and the gear-boxes have all been removed,” added Mohamud.

He urged the government to take up the matter with the Southern Sudan government.

“Most drivers are now fearing to venture into Southern Sudan,” added Mohamud.

(Standard/ST)