South Sudan releases Ugandan drivers, trucks seized for military use
South Sudanese military forces have released Ugandan truck drivers and their vehicles after they were seized for military transport use. The release followed diplomatic pressure and concerns from the regional business community regarding safety and compensation.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the risks to regional logistics and civilian infrastructure in conflict zones, as well as the importance of diplomatic intervention in cross-border trade disputes.
The South Sudan armed forces have released Ugandan drivers and their vehicles that were seized in Bor City in Jonglei State two days ago to transport troops.
Leaders of Ugandan truck drivers confirmed that their members were released on Friday morning after pressure from Ugandan authorities and the media, and have since been reunited with their supervisors.
Mr Isaac Katabazi, the chairperson of the Regional Truck Transformation Initiative, said the drivers were freed following diplomatic intervention.
“We the truck drivers of Uganda would like to extend our gratitude for the effort you made till our trucks and brothers were returned,” Mr Katabazi said.
On Tuesday, South Sudan military personnel seized four Ugandan-registered vehicles.
Two trucks were picked at Laudheli Landing Site and two others at Mina Township. The trucks were loaded with thousands of armed men being transported to fight.
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