South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
The recent decision by the Ethiopian parliament to construct the 320 km Pagak- Maiwut-Mathiang Paloch road, is a demonstration of visionary leadership among the two leaders of the two countries.
The road will not only boost cross-border trade but will go a long way in increasing integration through the much taunted African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
South Sudan will also be able to access Port Djibouti, as an alternative route for it’s imports and exports. This would reduce over-reliance on Port Sudan. Juba exports its crude through neighboring Sudan, which has been mired in deadly conflict since April 2023.
The lack of alternative route left the government with no option but to halt crude export. This decision taken amidst the ongoing conflict in Sudan caused economic disruptions leading to runaway inflation.
The governments of South Sudan and Ethiopia must move fast to implement the road project, that will transform livelihoods of border communities in the two countries.
