By Lodu William Odiya
Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony and Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore have convened a joint meeting to address security and trade-related challenges affecting the movement of people, livestock, and goods between the two states.
The meeting focused on concerns over insecurity and alleged harassment of traders and livestock owners, as well as illegal taxation along major roads connecting Central and Eastern Equatoria.
According to a statement issued by the Central Equatoria State Press Unit, representatives of Eastern Equatoria State raised concerns over alleged harassment, looting, and abduction of livestock traders travelling along the Juba–Torit Highway.
The concerns were reportedly linked to the activities of armed elements operating along the highway, as well as what the state representatives described as excessive and unauthorised taxation at checkpoints.
The situation has raised concerns about the safety of traders and livestock owners and its potential impact on commercial activities between the two states.
“Governor Lobong called for the safe and unhindered movement of traders and their livestock, urging relevant authorities to take action against practices that have reportedly forced some traders to seek alternative markets outside Juba,” the statement read.
The governor stressed the importance of ensuring that traders can transport their goods and livestock without intimidation, illegal charges, or other forms of harassment.
“Governor Adil, meanwhile, reaffirmed the Central Equatoria State Government’s commitment to securing roads and facilitating legitimate trade between the two states,” the statement continued.
He called for stronger coordination among the two state governments, county authorities, and security agencies to address illegal taxation and other security concerns affecting the highway.
The governors agreed to strengthen cooperation and information-sharing between their administrations while also maintaining closer engagement with security forces deployed along the roads.
The joint approach is intended to improve security, protect traders and livestock owners, and promote peaceful movement between Central and Eastern Equatoria.
The Juba–Torit Highway is an important transport and trade route linking South Sudan’s capital with Eastern Equatoria and communities along the corridor. Security challenges and unauthorised taxation along the route can affect the movement of essential commodities and livestock and increase the cost of doing business.
The two governors’ agreement comes as authorities seek to strengthen interstate cooperation and create a safer environment for communities and traders.
They also underscored the need for authorities at all levels to work together in addressing security threats and preventing actions that could undermine peaceful relations and legitimate economic activities between the two states.