Economic Reform Committee orders reduction of forces at mabil checkpoint

The Economic Reform Committee has ordered a reduction in the number of security personnel at Mabil Checkpoint in Lado Payam of Juba County as part of efforts to end illegal checkpoints and unauthorized fee collection.

The sub-committee of the Ministerial High-Level Economic Reform, led by Interior Minister Aleu Ayieny Aleu, issued the directive during a visit to the checkpoint, located about 9 kilometres along the Juba-Nimule Road.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Interior, the visit was aimed at assessing the implementation of directives banning the re-establishment of illegal checkpoints and the collection of fees from local traders and regional commercial truck drivers using the Juba-Bahr el Ghazal Highway.

After meeting the heads of organized forces at the checkpoint, the committee ordered a reduction in the number of personnel following a parade of about 212 members of the organized forces, including the Military, Police, Wildlife and National Security Services.

The committee also reiterated that illegal collection of fees from local traders and commercial trucks transporting goods is prohibited and called on security personnel to comply with the directives.

Interior Minister Aleu Ayieny Aleu urged organized forces deployed in Mabil and other parts of Lado Payam to cooperate with local government authorities.

He also warned security personnel against involvement in land grabbing after community leaders raised concerns over the alleged illegal allocation of land to individuals.

The committee says the measures are part of wider economic reforms aimed at removing illegal checkpoints and reducing unauthorized charges along major trade routes.