Kenyan Truck Driver Hospitalised After Alleged Assault by South Sudanese Soldiers

A Kenyan long-distance truck driver is recovering in Juba after he was allegedly assaulted by South Sudanese soldiers along the Juba–Nesitu Road on Wednesday, 1 July. 

The driver, identified as Mzee Malalo, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association of Kenya (LODDCA) confirmed the incident and identified the victim as senior driver Mzee Malalo. The association said he was seriously injured during the assault and was rushed to Juba for medical treatment. 

"Senior driver Mzee Malalo has reportedly been brutally assaulted by South Sudanese soldiers along the Juba–Nesitu Road this evening," the association said.

The attack comes as Kenyan truck drivers continue to report harassment, extortion and violent attacks while transporting goods between Kenya and South Sudan. Days earlier, drivers staged protests in Nimule and temporarily blocked sections of the highway to demand stronger security measures after reports that another driver had been killed along the route. 

The corridor is a key supply line for fuel, food and other essential goods entering South Sudan. Long-distance drivers have for years described the Juba–Nimule route and other transport corridors as dangerous. 

They have reported armed attacks, robberies and illegal road charges, particularly in areas affected by insecurity and weak law enforcement. The latest assault has again highlighted the risks faced by transporters operating on these routes.

Drivers and transport associations are calling on the Kenyan and South Sudanese governments to strengthen security along the trade corridor and improve protection for cross-border transport. They warn that continued attacks could disrupt the movement of goods into South Sudan and affect trade between the two countries.

The assault on Malalo is the latest in a series of incidents involving truck drivers operating in South Sudan.