By Baraka John
The Western Equatoria State Transitional Legislative Assembly officially resumed its sittings on Tuesday after recess, with Speaker Rt. Hon. Anna Tunna Richard calling on the state government to urgently tackle insecurity and dismantle illegal roadblocks that continue to disrupt livelihoods and public movement.
Addressing the session during the reopening of the Assembly, Speaker Tuna said restoring peace and security should remain the government’s highest priority. She stressed that protecting civilians, guaranteeing freedom of movement and resolving the recurring conflicts between communities in Western Equatoria and neighboring Central Equatoria State are essential for stability and development.
Her remarks come amid continued security concerns across the state, particularly along major highways where armed attacks on travelers have become increasingly common. Earlier this week, gunmen ambushed a passenger vehicle along the Mundri–Juba Road, killing two people and injuring several others. The latest attack has renewed public concern over the safety of commuters using one of the state’s key transport routes.
The Speaker also expressed concern over the growing number of illegal roadblocks and unauthorized checkpoints, describing them as a major obstacle to economic activity. She said the checkpoints subject farmers and traders to unlawful taxation, increasing the cost of transporting goods and contributing to rising prices of essential commodities across the state.
The issue has been a longstanding complaint among residents, particularly in Yambio and surrounding areas, where farmers say they are forced to pay unofficial taxes at roadblocks established along farm access roads. While security personnel stationed at some checkpoints say they are monitoring security threats, many farmers argue that the roadblocks have become a source of illegal revenue collection, reducing their earnings and discouraging agricultural production.
“This House calls on the state government to strengthen security, guarantee freedom of movement, and uphold the Bill of Rights so that citizens can fully contribute to the state’s development,” She added “illegal roadblocks and checkpoints on roads to farming areas and rural communities continue to threaten security and place an unnecessary burden on farmers and other residents who depend on small-scale production for their livelihoods”.
Speaker Tuna reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to serving the people of Western Equatoria through legislation, oversight and representation. She said lawmakers would continue to work with the executive and judiciary to improve security across the state.
Responding during the reopening session, Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa acknowledged the security challenges but noted that relative peace has returned to some parts of the state due to ongoing government interventions.
The governor said the state is strengthening its security institutions through the ongoing recruitment of 1,200 new police officers to improve law enforcement and public safety.
He also announced that the State Council of Ministers has directed the immediate removal of all illegal roadblocks and unauthorized checkpoints along highways and farm roads, a move intended to ease the movement of people and goods while supporting agricultural production and local trade.
“We will fortify security by reactivating community policing in residential areas through the state and strengthening coordination among the organized forces. We will also train more than 1,200 personnel so they can provide security across all our counties,” we passed an order to remove all the checkpoints. Some have already been removed”. He said
The reopening of the Assembly marks the beginning of a new legislative session, with lawmakers expected to deliberate on key policies and legislation aimed at addressing security, governance and development priorities in Western Equatoria State.