Movement of people and vehicles along the Juba-Mundri Road in Western Equatoria State has reportedly returned to normal following the release of civilians who were abducted while travelling along the route.
Benson George Papa, Executive Director of Mundri East County, told Radio Tamazuj on Sunday that vehicles and passengers continue to travel in both directions between Mundri and Juba despite lingering security concerns.
“As I am speaking now, vehicles are coming from Mundri, and others are travelling from Juba to Mundri,” he stated. “People are moving in both directions.”
His remarks come after more than 78 civilians who were abducted along the Juba-Mundri Road on 26 September were released on 1 October 2026 after spending up to four days in captivity.
Papa previously said the abductees included men, women and children. Eight people had reportedly been released earlier as efforts continued to secure the freedom of those remaining in captivity.
Meanwhile, Isaac Fora, Director General of the Western Equatoria State Ministry of Information and Communication, has urged travelers and residents to remain vigilant despite reports of improved movement along the road.
He cautioned that the absence of newly reported incidents did not mean the area was completely safe, noting that armed criminals were still believed to be operating in the bush.
“People have to be cautious because you never know,” he cautioned. “There are still armed criminals in the bush, so you cannot guarantee security 100 percent.”
Asked whether authorities had received reports of other criminal incidents apart from cases involving people who were reportedly taken into the bush and later released, Fora said he was not aware of additional incidents but acknowledged that some cases might not yet have been reported.
A boda-boda rider who preferred anonymity said he travelled from Mundri on Thursday and arrived in Juba on Saturday told this publication that he completed his journey safely without incident.
“I was fearing to travel, but thank God I went, and nobody stopped me on the road apart from checkpoints, and I arrived safely in Juba,” he said.
The developments suggest that civilian movement along the important transport corridor is continuing, although officials have warned travelers against becoming complacent about security risks.
Authorities have urged road users to remain alert, exercise caution while travelling and promptly report suspicious activities to the relevant security agencies.
The Juba-Mundri Road is an important route connecting communities in Western Equatoria State with Juba, supporting passenger transport, trade and other daily activities.
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