A government delegation and regional long-distance truck drivers have signed an agreement aimed at ending a two-week strike that disrupted cargo transportation along the Juba–Nimule Highway.

In a statement published by the South Sudan Revenue Authority, the delegation led by Deputy Commissioner General Solomon Ariik Manyok said the deal was reached after three days of negotiations with truck drivers in Nimule, Eastern Equatoria State.

The strike involved drivers mainly from Kenya, Uganda, and Somalia, who suspended cargo transportation into South Sudan over insecurity and alleged attacks on drivers along the highway.

The drivers had demanded improved security, removal of illegal roadblocks, lifting of weighbridge charges, and rehabilitation of the highway.

According to the agreement, authorities committed to removing unnecessary checkpoints and illegal charges imposed on transporters along the Juba–Nimule route.

The government also pledged to deploy additional security personnel to improve safety for drivers, passengers, and local communities.

The parties further agreed that only legally recognized taxes, duties, and levies would be collected, while unlawful charges allegedly imposed by some security personnel and agencies along the route, including at Juba Bridge, would be abolished immediately.

Among the fees to be cancelled are alleged illegal immigration charges, unlawful CID fees, unauthorized checkpoint collections at Nimule, Jebel, Aru Junction, Nesitu, and Juba Bridge, as well as SSP 90,000 stamp duty charges imposed at exit gates.

The agreement also directed the immediate cessation of what the parties described as extortion, harassment, intimidation, robbery, and assault against truck drivers operating along the highway.

In addition, the government pledged to engage relevant ministries on the renovation of the Juba–Nimule Highway and the removal of unnecessary checkpoints within Juba City, Bor, and Bahr el Ghazal roads, which drivers allege are used to extort money from transporters.

An ad hoc joint task force committee will oversee implementation of the resolutions and monitor compliance by all parties.

The agreement was signed by Solomon Ariik Manyok and Major General Akuei Ajou Akuei on behalf of the government, alongside representatives of regional transport associations.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Long Distance Drivers Union chairperson Sudi Kauli Mwatela said truck operations would resume once the union finalizes movement plans.

“What we want to see is implementation and protection of our drivers because security is in the hands of the South Sudan authorities,” Mwatela said.

Mwatela added that the union expects authorities to fully implement the resolutions agreed upon during the negotiations.

In his remarks, Solomon Ariik Manyok said the government remains committed to implementing all aspects of the agreement.

“On our side, we are committed to implementing everything that we have signed today,” he said.

He added that the government would work with relevant institutions to ensure smooth cargo movement and improve security along the highway corridor.