South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
Press release
A high-level delegation from the Republic of South Sudan has concluded a landmark fact-finding visit to the Port of Mombasa, Kenya, in a bold step towards enhancing regional trade cooperation and addressing longstanding logistical challenges faced by the South Sudanese business community.
Led by Hon. Justin Marona, a senior member of the National Assembly’s Public Accounts and Finance Committee, the delegation included Hon. Chabur Goc, a member of the Public Accounts and Finance Committee; Mulana Aleu Chamaan, Legal Advisor to the National Assembly’s Public Accounts and Finance Committee; and Col. Akech Tong Malek, Commissioner of the Customs Division, South Sudan Revenue Authority.
The visit was hosted by the Panda team in Mombasa and brought together key stakeholders from the port community to engage in constructive dialogue aimed at streamlining trade flows between Mombasa and Juba.
During the intensive working sessions, the delegation was briefed on the core functions of Panda and the critical role it plays in managing South Sudan-bound cargo. Mr. Dennis Ombok of Panda highlighted the need for widespread sensitisation among South Sudanese traders, many of whom remain unaware of essential documentation requirements and the timelines for accruing storage and customs charges. This lack of awareness often results in delays, added costs, and cargo congestion.
One of the major concerns raised during the meeting was the steep container deposits imposed by shipping lines, some reportedly as high as USD 10,000. For many importers, such fees create significant financial strain, particularly when compounded by delays in returning empty containers. Compounding the issue is the absence of an inland container depot or dry port in Juba, which would otherwise facilitate quicker and more efficient cargo handling.
The delegation was also briefed on the activities of unscrupulous clearing and forwarding agents operating in the region. These rogue actors have been fleecing importers through inflated fees and repeated, unexplained charges, making it nearly impossible for many to clear their goods on time. In response, the delegation emphasised the need for stronger oversight and regulatory mechanisms to protect South Sudanese traders.
Security on the Nimule–Juba corridor emerged as another pressing concern. Many Kenyan transporters reportedly fear using this critical route due to insecurity, leading to reduced traffic flow and inflated transport costs. The delegation acknowledged the importance of restoring confidence along this corridor and committed to engaging relevant authorities to improve safety and reliability.
In discussions surrounding cargo management, it was noted that South Sudan’s cargo is currently handled by two Container Freight Stations—Compact CFS and Autoport CFS—both endorsed by the Government of South Sudan. The delegation welcomed this structured approach, noting that it has led to better cargo monitoring, improved data analysis, and reduced incidences of diversion. The implementation of the Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) was also lauded as a timely and effective measure to safeguard cargo in transit, particularly from diversion to neighbouring countries.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Hon. Marona expressed deep appreciation for the work done by Panda and emphasised Parliament’s commitment to legislative action. He encouraged Panda and other stakeholders to continue bringing to Parliament’s attention any matters requiring policy reforms or statutory interventions. He affirmed that the welfare of South Sudan’s business community remains a top priority and that actionable steps would be taken to create a more transparent, efficient, and secure trade environment.
The delegation further called for enhanced cooperation between Panda and the South Sudan Chamber of Commerce to ensure that the business community remains informed and empowered. They underscored the importance of establishing a real-time cargo information platform to provide timely updates on vessel arrivals and documentation requirements. The team also expressed the desire for the Parliamentary Committee on Trade and Industry to undertake a similar visit to deepen oversight and legislative engagement on trade matters.
As the visit concluded, the delegation reiterated the vital importance of Mombasa Port as a lifeline for South Sudan’s economic growth. They stressed that lasting solutions to the current challenges can only be found through sustained partnership, improved infrastructure, and the political will to champion reforms that favour business and regional integration.
“This mission has been both enlightening and reaffirming,” said Hon. Marona. “We return to Juba with a clear understanding of the obstacles our traders face and a renewed commitment to ensuring that South Sudan’s pathway to prosperity is not hindered by inefficiencies or neglect. Mombasa remains central to our economic vision, and we are committed to strengthening this critical link.”
