Checkpoint Drama on a Key Corridor
Along the busy Juba–Bor highway, a brief but telling drama unfolded on Tuesday as South Sudan’s top brass moved to dismantle an unauthorized military checkpoint that had frustrated travelers and traders.
Orders from the High Command
Chief of Defence Forces Dr. Paul Nang, fresh from a weekend inspection, learned that a barrier he had ordered removed after the Mapau clash had quietly reappeared overnight.
He immediately tasked Military Intelligence chief Lt-Gen Riak Ayuen and Operations deputy Lt-Gen Malual Majok to arrest every soldier involved in rebuilding the post, underscoring what officials call zero tolerance for disobedience.
Discipline and Professionalism in Focus
Force spokesperson Maj-Gen Lul Ruai Koang told journalists, “They will be brought to Juba for detention and investigation.” He framed the incident as a test of command discipline rather than a simple traffic dispute.
Voices from the Road
Residents near Bor say transport costs spike whenever checkpoints mushroom. One trader claimed lorry drivers pay “three extra barrels of fuel in bribes” during harvest runs, welcoming the army’s intervention as a relief to household budgets.
Unverified Airstrike Reports
Separate social-media claims of an aerial bombardment in Tonj County remain unconfirmed. Maj-Gen Koang said he will consult field commanders before issuing any statement, highlighting the communication challenges facing the young defence force.
Legal Path Ahead
The detained soldiers are expected in Juba within days. Military lawyers will decide whether charges range from insubordination to economic sabotage under the 2009 SPLA Act.
Observers note that the episode arrives as the government prepares for long-promised elections, making public confidence in security operations particularly crucial.