Activity in Juba’s main market area appeared normal on Friday – but tight faces and anxious looks revealed the fear under the surface that South Sudan’s civil war could re-ignite.
The crowd picking through stands and shops at the city’s Customs Market might have been the same as on regular days, but the prices were steeply higher, discouraging actual purchases.
Heightened confrontation in recent weeks between the rival factions which fought each other in the 2013-2018 civil war has everyone on edge.
“Prices have rocketed to unprecedented levels,” said Samuel, a food seller in his 40s.
He was having difficulty replenishing his stocks.
“Suppliers and importers are afraid to bring in goods. Whenever they hear about political tensions in Juba, they hesitate at the Nimule border (with Uganda), fearing…
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Sunday Independent (Digital) - 1 Issue, 2025-03-30