The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) has issued atravel alert to Kenyan truck drivers traveling to South Sudan over rising insecurity targeting foreign drivers.
The warning follows the death of one Ahmed Salat, a driver who was reportedly shot dead on August 22 while transporting cargo to Wao.
Salat’s turnman survived the attack but was badly assaulted and remains in critical condition following the incident.
In a statement issued on August 24, LoDDCA said attacks on drivers within South Sudan have been rising steadily over the past few weeks.
The association is now urging all truckers and transport crews to strictly follow the Standard Operating Procedures agreed upon in 2021.
To mitigate these incidents, key measures include telling drivers to travel in convoys and to avoid travelling alone along the transit corridor at all costs.
They have also been reminded to stick to approved travel hours, strictly between 8 am and 4 pm South Sudan time, as outlined in the Standard Operating Procedures.
“As stipulated in the 2021 SOPs, truck movements should take place strictly between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM South Sudan time. Drivers and transport companies are urged to respect these hours and avoid unnecessary movements outside the agreed travel window,” LoDDCA added.
