A large fire swept through a section of Juba’s busy Custom Market on Monday evening, destroying multiple shops and prompting a major emergency response.
The blaze broke out near the compound of the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) in Nyakuron neighborhood, coming dangerously close to the state broadcaster’s premises.
Firefighters worked for several hours to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading to the vital media installation.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire or reported any casualties. The incident occurred a day after Juba City Council had implemented a ban on street vendors operating in the Custom and Konyo-Konyo markets.
Minister visits scene
The Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services, Ateny Wek Ateny, who serves as the official government spokesperson, visited the scene as emergency services worked to control the fire.
In an interview with SSBC, Ateny confirmed the severity of the damage but said the SSBC building itself had been protected.
“Thank God the firefighters swiftly responded and I think they managed to save the premises of the SSBC,” he stated.
The minister acknowledged the intensity of the blaze, saying: “The ferocity of the fire was really, really very big to the point that even when I was standing inside the SSBC premises I could feel the heat.”
Response and investigation
When questioned about the emergency response, Ateny offered conflicting accounts – initially praising firefighters for their swift action but later revealing they had taken “more than 30 minutes to respond.”
He said the police would provide an explanation for the delay.
Regarding speculation on social media that the fire might be connected to the vendor clearance operation, Minister Ateny urged caution: “We cannot talk about speculation. We need to speak on facts. When the facts become available, then we will share them with members of public.”
The minister confirmed that police would begin an investigation immediately to determine whether the fire resulted from accident, negligence, or deliberate action.
Traders’ losses
Visibly distressed shop owners surveyed the damage to their businesses as the fire subsided. Many had lost their entire stock.
Addressing affected traders, Ateny said: “My message for them is to be resilient… If your thing gets burned and you are alive, life is the most important thing.”
He indicated that any discussion of government compensation would follow the investigation: “The government will first investigate the reason why the fire actually gutted the whole market… after finding the reason, the government will be able to speak about what course it can take.”
Safety concerns raised
The information minister pointed to broader safety concerns, criticising the placement of market stalls near critical infrastructure.
“We have been advising the city council to ensure that within the vital premises like the SSBC they should not be allotted to members of the public to do business in that place,” Ateny said, suggesting he would personally intervene to clear vendors from around government installations.
This is not the first major market fire in Juba. A similar incident occurred in the city last December, raising questions about fire safety standards in the capital’s commercial areas.
Police authorities are expected to provide further details about the operation and the extent of the damage once their assessment is complete.
Chamber of Commence
Separately, the National Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture has expressed profound concern over the major fire that destroyed parts of Juba’s Custom Market.
In a press statement, the Chamber called the incident an “economic and social tragedy,” noting that businesses built over years were consumed by flames in moments.
“The Chamber affirms its full solidarity with all those affected,” the statement said, adding that it was committed to working with traders to overcome the fire’s aftermath.
The business association said it was in direct contact with authorities to help contain the blaze, determine its cause, and ensure measures were taken to protect lives and property.
It reiterated support for small and medium-sized enterprises, which it described as the “backbone of the national economy,” pledging continued assistance to help them rebuild.
The Chamber stated that the Custom Market was a vital economic artery for thousands of families and that damage to it affected the entire community.