South Sudan army halts use of river transport over insecurity

July 23, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudanese army (SPLA) announced on Thursday a decision to stop river transport, citing insecurity threats posed along the River Nile by the armed opposition faction led by former vice president, Riek Machar.

Spokesperson of the government forces said in a statement on Thursday the decision to close water transport services between the states along the longest river in the world was due to attacks by the rebels.

“Nile River has not been safe for the last two months. The rebellion has been using barges to attack SPLA bases, and there has been exchange of gunfire sometimes along the river,” said South Sudan’s military spokesman, Col. Philip Aguer.

“Now for anybody who wants to use the river will have to secure him or herself; it is only security reasons. When the security is assured, then we will open the river transport,” he added.

He further asserted that the decision was part of precautionary measures and that it would not guarantee safety of those who would not comply with the directive.

Aguer did not indicate when the river transport services could be resumed, though he said the decision was taken as a temporary measure until the security situation improved.

Government troops loyal to president Salva Kiir have been battling it out with supporters of former vice president, Riek Machar, for the past 19 months.

A peace talks aimed to end the war between the two warring parties and form a transitional government of national unity has been on and off under the mediation of IGAD-Plus.

(ST)