(Juba) – A South Sudanese infrastructure company, African Contractor Ltd., has issued a public statement condemning what it describes as unlawful and ongoing actions by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) at Juba International Airport. The company alleges that since 16 May 2025, its operations have been obstructed without legal justification, threatening its business, reputation, and broader investment climate in the country.
According to the company, officials from the Civil Aviation Authority forcibly closed its offices located inside the airport without providing legal documentation. It further alleges that its private property was trespassed, documents tampered with, and some facilities, including a restaurant operated within the airport, were vandalised.
The statement also details damages to equipment and the confiscation of property owned by the company and other businesses working under legally recognised contracts. The company says none of these actions were backed by formal notices, court orders, or institutional processes, describing the situation as a serious breach of legal procedure and private property rights.
African Contractor Ltd. says it has formally contacted the Ministry of Transport, with whom it signed a contract to manage parts of the airport infrastructure. The company is calling for immediate government intervention to stop what it considers unlawful interference and to hold those responsible accountable.
The contract in question, the company says, was signed under the leadership of the late Minister John Luk and was approved by the Council of Ministers. It is valid until 2029. At the time of signing, the government acknowledged it lacked the funds to rehabilitate Juba International Airport, which then relied on makeshift facilities such as tents. The company claims it used its own capital to upgrade and reconstruct essential parts of the airport’s terminal infrastructure in response to a government appeal for investment.
Despite these contributions, the company states it is now facing exclusion and interference in its work, all without legal cause. It argues that such treatment discourages other investors and sends the wrong message about South Sudan’s commitment to legal certainty and investment protection.
African Contractor Ltd. says it is prepared to defend its rights in national, regional, and international legal institutions. It has urged government authorities to act swiftly to restore the rule of law and ensure a conducive environment for private sector investment.
