Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) have ordered the immediate and unconditional release of hijacked boats and barges and threatened a “punitive action” if the call is not heeded.
The directive follows reports of vessel seizures, including those carrying fuel belonging to Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC), as stated by Taban Deng Gai, the Vice President for Infrastructure Cluster, last week.
In a statement released Friday, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang claimed that credible intelligence and complaints from various entities confirmed that fighters from the SPLA-IO and the White Army have commandeered several vessels in Fangak and Leer Counties in Jonglei and Unity states, respectively.
Mr Lul said among the hijacked boats are one belonging to the United Nations and another owned by a Sudanese businessman.
At Adok Bur Port, eight boats transporting passengers and assorted commercial goods were seized, with passengers forcibly ordered to disembark and seek alternative means to reach their destinations.
The hijackers have demanded ransoms ranging from SSP 10 million to $50,000, depending on the vessel and cargo.
In some cases, cargo was offloaded, and passengers and crew members were held hostage, actions Lul described as “blatant violations” of rights and “tantamount to piracy.” These illegal activities have severely disrupted river transportation, a critical lifeline in South Sudan’s limited infrastructure network.
The statement comes amid heightened concerns over river security, underscored by a separate incident involving a fuel boat belonging to the Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC).
Last week, Vice President Taban Deng Gai, speaking at the first National Trade Forum, revealed that the GPOC vessel has been held hostage for six months, with hijackers demanding a $15,000 ransom despite a $10,000 payment in a development which highlights the emerging piracy crisis gripping the country.
The statement said SSPDF Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Dr. Paul Majok Nang, has ordered the immediate release of all hijacked vessels, warning that failure to comply will result in “punitive aerial and riverine actions” to secure the waterways.
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