(NIMULE) – A South Sudanese civil society organisation has called for urgent investigation into growing reports of harassment and degrading treatment of travellers at the Nimule border crossing between South Sudan and Uganda.
The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) said it has received several complaints from both South Sudanese nationals and foreign travellers who allege mistreatment by officers during physical inspections at the border. According to CEPO, some individuals were reportedly forced to undress during searches, a practice the group described as a violation of basic human rights and personal dignity.
CEPO Executive Director Edmund Yakani expressed concern over the lack of proper screening equipment at the Nimule crossing, which may be contributing to the reliance on physical body checks. However, he emphasised that even in the absence of machines, inspections must be carried out with full respect for human dignity.
“If we do not have machines for proper screening, then physical checks must be done with full respect for humanity and dignity,” Yakani told Radio Miraya in a recent interview.
He urged South Sudan’s Inspector General of Police, as well as the heads of Immigration, Customs, and National Security, to urgently travel to Nimule and investigate the claims. Yakani believes a high level visit would signal government commitment to protecting the rights of all border users.
The Nimule crossing is South Sudan’s busiest international land entry point and serves as a major gateway for both commercial and humanitarian traffic between the country and Uganda. It is also an important source of national revenue.
| Key Issue | Reported Concern |
|---|---|
| Physical screening method | Forced undressing during checks |
| Rights impact | Degrading treatment, lack of dignity |
| Infrastructure problem | Absence of modern screening equipment |
| Response requested | Official investigation and high-level visit |
Yakani highlighted the strategic and financial importance of the Nimule post, stressing that the government should invest in modern screening technologies to enhance border security without compromising individual rights. Such investment, he noted, would not only improve the efficiency of inspections but also ensure South Sudan maintains its international obligations regarding humane treatment.
“If the government can allocate part of the revenue generated from this crossing to purchase screening equipment, these inhumane practices could be avoided,” Yakani said.
The civil society appeal comes amid wider efforts to reform South Sudan’s border management and improve its international image. Travellers using Nimule, including traders, humanitarian workers and tourists, play a key role in the country’s economy and diplomacy. Ensuring their safety and dignity is therefore not just a rights issue but a national interest.
Yakani concluded by saying CEPO remains ready to support government institutions in identifying gaps in current border practices and finding long term, rights based solutions.
