Whereas Alfred Baluku, a bus conductor with Bebeto Coach, knew the Nimule-Juba highway in South Sudan was dangerous, he never imagined he would experience a fatal attack firsthand.

On September 24, 2024, Bebeto Coach bus, which Baluku had worked on since February, set off from Juba City for Kampala at 6 am South Sudanese time (GMT +2). On board were 40 passengers, a mix of Ugandans and South Sudanese nationals, along with a turnman, the driver, and two armed soldiers from the South Sudan National Security Service tasked with escorting the bus through the volatile route. 

Baluku recalled that after travelling about 90 km into the journey, sporadic gunfire suddenly erupted from the nearby bush, with bullets targeting the front of the bus.

"The bullets started at random from the front because they first hit the windscreen and there was a big hole in front of the bus. I think it was a strong [big] gun they used and that's when we realized that we were being shot at,” Baluku told URN in an interview on Wednesday.

The driver, despite the continued gunfire, attempted to drive for about 100 meters but was forced to stop as the damaged radiator released steam, obscuring his view through the windshield.

Baluku described the attackers as a group of around 50 gunmen who charged toward the bus, firing continuously. One of the soldiers on board tried to fend them off but was overwhelmed.

"We had two soldiers in the bus, and one was shot and fell out when the bus was still moving....So, the one that was still on board came out and started pushing them back but unfortunately, he was alone, and the guys were coming in big numbers, he tried his level best but couldn’t manage,” Baluku said.

As the soldier ran out of bullets, the gunmen advanced on the bus. Baluku, along with the driver and the remaining soldier, fled into the bush for safety. However, 30 passengers were still trapped inside as the attackers took control. 

From his hiding place, Baluku says he watched as the gunmen surrounded the bus, demanding phones and money from the passengers. They looted the luggage compartment, specifically searching for food.

"They picked every luggage in the boot and put it down and those guys when they were talking, they wanted especially foodstuffs. They were asking "where is the milk, where is the milk?" They took some passengers whom they told to carry the packs to the nearby bush. Some of them were told to sit down and left them unharmed. You can't tell the exact number but they were 50+. They were so many,” Baluku recounted.

For nearly an hour, the attackers ransacked the bus without any response from the government forces. Eventually, they set the bus on fire and retreated into the bush with the uninjured passengers they had captured. South Sudanese soldiers arrived an hour later, prompting the rebels to flee.

Baluku, who survived with minor injuries along with 11 others, was rescued by soldiers after being convinced to emerge from their hiding spot. Five people were severely injured, and one male passenger was killed. The survivors were taken to Juba for treatment.

Baluku, a father of two, was one of five casualties brought to Amuru district for medical care. Four Ugandans and one South Sudanese national were among those treated.

At least 12 victims of the attack have since crossed into Uganda via Elegu Port health centre at the border, according to Patrick Louis Lamot, the port health focal point at the Uganda-South Sudan border.

South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) spokesperson Maj Gen Lul Ruai Koang blamed the National Salvation Front (NAS) rebel group, led by Lt Gen Thomas Cirilo, for the attack. He confirmed that 14 passengers had been abducted and said the army was pursuing the rebels, who fled toward the Nile River. It remains unclear if any of the captives have been released. By URN/ The Observer

Technology and innovation driving change in South Sudan

In today’s fast-paced world, digital initiatives have become a cornerstone of economic development, particularly in transforming emerging markets. In South Sudan, a series of innovative projects spearheaded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with support from the African Development Bank and the Kingdom of Netherlands are reshaping the economic landscape for the better. These initiatives aim to harness the potential of technology in driving entrepreneurship, enhancing financial accessibility, and providing educational resources to a burgeoning youth population.

Central to these initiatives is Dukaanye.com, South Sudan’s first and largest digital marketplace. Its user-centric approach has enabled the platform to thrive in a challenging economic environment, fostering participation from local entrepreneurs. In a remarkable stride toward inclusivity, over 2,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have successfully registered on the platform, extending its reach across eight states. This evolution not only promotes individual business growth but also contributes to a broader economic transformation, underscoring the importance of digital commerce in South Sudan’s development journey.

Another key pillar of this digital strategy is the iHub, a versatile innovation and business hub aimed at empowering the youth. Located in major cities such as Juba, Torit, Rumbek, Bor, and Yambio, the iHub offers a wealth of resources, including entrepreneurship support, job placements, and access to e-learning programs. By providing targeted career advice and capacity-building initiatives, the hub is significantly enhancing the skills and employability of young people, helping them navigate a competitive job market and connect to global opportunities.

In tandem with these efforts, the introduction of a financial technology (FinTech) initiative is set to transform South Sudan’s financial sector. Collaborating with key financial intermediaries like Stanbic Bank and MGURUSH, the initiative aims to improve financial inclusion through interest-free loans for young entrepreneurs. This structure not only facilitates easier loan access but also accelerates the adoption of mobile money services, establishing a sustainable framework for financial transactions that empowers underserved populations to participate more fully in the economy.

As part of its comprehensive approach, the UNDP has also introduced an e-learning portal that enhances educational accessibility. This online platform allows users to access diverse courses, assignments, and interactive learning materials, catering to various learning preferences and schedules. The portal’s flexible, self-paced learning environment is vital for individuals seeking continuous education, especially in a country where traditional education methods may face constraints.

Further addressing employment challenges, an employment portal launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour serves as a centralized hub for job seekers and employers. By simplifying the job search process and connecting individuals with suitable opportunities, the portal plays a crucial role in workforce development and reducing unemployment rates in South Sudan.

Overall, these digital initiatives mark a significant leap forward, equipping South Sudan’s youth with vital tools for success in a rapidly evolving economic landscape. As young people engage with the resources at iHub and through platforms like Dukaanye.com and the employment portal, they are not only enhancing their skills but also contributing to the nation’s economic resilience and growth. By Sylvester,The City Review