South Sudan denies involvement in illicit trade of stolen goods from Sudan

January 9, 2024 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s Inspector General of Police, General Atem Marol Biar, has categorically denied the country’s involvement in the illicit trade of stolen vehicles, pharmaceuticals, and other valuable items from neighbouring Sudan.

In a statement to Sudan Tribune, General Biar asserted that he had conducted an official visit to the states of Bahr El Ghazal following his appointment in December 2023 and found no evidence to support the allegations.

“I have not received any reports indicating that stolen properties from Sudan are being sold in the markets of Bahr El Ghazal,” General Biar stated.

The police chief emphasized that the South Sudanese government and President Salva Kiir have invested significant time and resources to promote peace and stability in Sudan.

“We are not happy to see the security, political, economic, and social situation in Sudan,” General Biar remarked.

He also denied that any police officer had been found in possession of stolen goods from Sudan.

“I have no report or information of any officer possessing a stolen vehicle from Sudan since I assumed the office,” General Biar clarified.

The police chief’s statement comes in response to reports that vehicles and pharmaceuticals stolen in Sudan have been sold in Amiet in Abyei and have subsequently made their way to Wau in Western Bahr El Ghazal and Equatoria.

General Biar reiterated South Sudan’s commitment to cooperating with the owners of stolen property and the authorities in Sudan to address this issue.

(ST)