Ambassador Monday Semaya Kumba, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation during a meeting with long-distance truck drivers in Nimule town on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 - Courtesy

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing the 14 provisions of the formal agreement signed with the Association of Long-Distance Truck Drivers of East Africa.

The agreement was discussed during a meeting in Nimule town on Tuesday, December 10.

Led by Ambassador Monday Semaya Kumba, the high-level government delegation met with the drivers’ union to address key issues affecting the transportation sector.

Ambassador Semaya emphasized that the South Sudan government is dedicated to resolving the challenges faced by long-distance drivers and will do its utmost to support the industry.

“As a government, we remain fully committed to implementing the provisions of the agreement signed with the drivers. We take full responsibility for ensuring these commitments are honoured,” said Ambassador Semaya.

“We have issued clear directives to all stakeholders at Nimule port and urge them to follow through on the agreements made in good faith,” he stated.

“We also promise to do our utmost to resolve the challenges facing the drivers, within our abilities and resources,” he said.

The purpose of the visit was for the delegation to explore urgent solutions to address the concerns of the EAC Association of Long-Distance Drivers and end their strike, allowing them to resume operations and enter the Nimule port immediately.

The delegation also took the time to listen to the challenges faced by various institutions operating in South Sudan.

Following this, they received guidance and instructions from Hon. Deputy Minister Ambassador Monday Semaya, the IGP, and the CG of the SSRA.

This initiative seeks to resolve the issues hindering cross-border trade and improve conditions for transporters, enabling them to deliver essential services to citizens, particularly during the festive season, without further disruptions.