Drivers Decry extortion at military manned checkpoints along Juba –Wau road

By Jenifer James

Drivers plying the busy Jua-Wau highway the road from Juba have raised complaints over the rampant extortion at numerous checkpoints, particularly in Tonj County of Warrap State.

While these checkpoints are ostensibly meant for security, they have reportedly become points for extortion, where security forces ask for loose change from drivers.

Speaking to The Dawn Newspaper on Sunday in Tonj County, a driver who preferred to speak on condition of anonymity said they are distressed whenever they arrive at the various check points in the area.

The road linking Juba to Western Bahr El Ghazal State has more than 30 checkpoints, according to the source who claimed that many of these serve no legitimate purpose.

“At the first checkpoint near New Site along the Terekeka road, drivers are required to present a travel permit,” he said.

“I asked them when permits became necessary and where I could get one, but my explanation was ignored. I had to pay to proceed,” he explained.

He said that the checkpoints five closely spaced checkpoints demand bribes from passing drivers, adding that each driver is obliged to pay 2,000 SSP at all the checkpoints along the road.

“If you don’t pay, they won’t let you pass,” said another driver.

In addition to bribes, drivers face delays at roadblocks, adding that many drivers see this as another tactic to solicit payments.

When contacted on Monday, the Minister for Information in Warrap State, William Wol Mayom, said they were aware of only two legal checkpoints, adding the rest are illegal.

The approved checkpoints are Tonj South and Gogrial, saying that the money paid at these two pints is for maintenance of the bridge.

 “Those checkpoints are unauthorized and set up by individual security units. I appeal to the government and the heads of these forces to address this issue, as complaints have been raised multiple times,” said Mayom.