(JUBA) – Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony visited Juba’s Custom Market on Tuesday following a fire outbreak on Monday that destroyed several shops and affected numerous traders. The Governor was accompanied by the National Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang, State Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Hon. Lupai Satimon, State Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Stephen Lado Onesimo, and Mayor of Juba City Council, H.W. Christopher Sarafino Wani.
Governor Adil expressed sympathy and solidarity with traders who suffered losses and commended security personnel for their efforts in controlling the fire and maintaining order in the markets. He urged traders to consider long-term strategies to prevent similar incidents, including constructing permanent shops and reorganising market layouts to improve safety and resilience.
The Governor announced the formation of a probe committee to investigate the cause of the fire and assess the full extent of the damage in the market. The findings will guide measures to protect traders’ assets and ensure safer trading environments.
Both the Governor and the National Minister of Trade and Industry called for public cooperation during the ongoing clearing of street vendors by the Juba City Council. Officials stressed that this initiative aims to create clear passageways, reduce congestion, and improve safety for traders and pedestrians in the market areas.
Governor Adil also reassured street vendors that the Mayor has been directed to engage with them to reach a common agreement and designate new market locations within the city.
In a related development, the delegation inspected Konyo-Konyo Market, which continues to operate normally following the relocation of road vendors. Authorities confirmed that security in the city remains stable and urged residents and traders to support the ongoing market reforms.
Business Implications:
The fire at Custom Market underscores the vulnerability of traders’ investments and highlights the need for structured, permanent trading spaces. Market reorganisation and safety improvements are critical for sustaining commerce and attracting investment in Juba’s trade sector.
Custom Market Fire Sparks Trade Safety Review
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Fire at Custom Market, Juba |
| Date | 01 December 2025 |
| Impact | Several shops destroyed; multiple traders affected |
| Response | Governor and Ministers inspected market |
| Actions | Probe committee to investigate; assess damages; plan permanent market structures |
| Public Advisory | Cooperation during street vendor relocation; calm urged |
| Related Inspection | Konyo-Konyo Market operating normally |
| Focus | Market safety, permanent infrastructure, street vendor management, business continuity |
Officials stressed that market reforms aim to align Juba’s trading spaces with international city standards, while protecting the livelihoods of traders and ensuring safer, more organised markets for the future.
