(JUBA) – The Ministry of Trade and Industry of South Sudan has expressed serious concern following a fire that swept through Juba’s Custom Market on Monday, causing significant business losses.
According to reports, the blaze destroyed numerous commodities, including clothing, food items, and other goods belonging to market vendors. Early estimates suggest losses could reach several million South Sudanese pounds (SSP). Using the current exchange rate of $1 = 7,100 SSP, a loss of 10,000,000 SSP would equal approximately $1,408 USD.
Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang, Minister of Trade and Industry, said the government will launch an immediate investigation to determine the cause of the fire and assess the full extent of damages. “We take this incident very seriously and are committed to understanding how this fire occurred and what measures can be taken to prevent future tragedies,” Minister Atong stated.
The Ministry extended condolences and sympathies to affected vendors and business owners. Authorities emphasised that the fire represents not only a loss of property but also a disruption to trade and economic activity in Juba.
Vendors affected by the fire have expressed distress over the sudden loss of stock and capital. Many small traders rely entirely on their market businesses to sustain their families, and the destruction of goods has raised concerns about liquidity and recovery.
The Ministry has committed to coordinating with local authorities and relevant partners to support affected traders, including assessing potential financial or technical assistance. Government officials also indicated that safety audits and preventive measures will be reviewed to avoid future incidents.
The fire at Custom Market has once again revealed the vulnerability of urban trading hubs to accidental or uncontrolled incidents and indicated the importance of market safety, insurance options and emergency response preparedness for South Sudanese traders.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Fire at Juba Custom Market |
| Date | 1st December 2025 |
| Affected Parties | Market vendors and small businesses |
| Loss Estimate | Multiple commodities; preliminary SSP losses (10,000,000 SSP = $1,408 USD example) |
| Government Action | Ministry of Trade and Industry investigation |
| Support | Assessment of damages and potential assistance; safety review |
The Ministry urged all market operators to remain vigilant and implement fire safety measures while the investigation is ongoing.
