23/04/2026
: Heavy military deployment in Juba fuels public fear. A heavy deployment of military forces on major roads across South Sudan’s capital, Juba, caused fear and uncertainty among residents on Thursday, with authorities offering few details about the unusual security presence.
Soldiers were seen at several key locations, including Seventh Day Adventist Roundabout, near the University of Juba, along Ministries Road close to parliament, as well as Amarat and Airport Road.
Witnesses told Radio Tamazuj that the number of forces appeared especially large, including armoured personnel carriers (APCs).
The deployment sparked concern among residents, with some offices closing early and workers rushing home. Traffic continued to move, but many people appeared anxious as businesses weighed whether to remain open.
“It is my first time to see this kind of thing happening in South Sudan,” one resident said, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.
“I saw different cars with soldiers. They looked happy, but I don’t know what is happening.”
The resident said people were frightened by the uncertainty. “I feel scared, but I don’t know what is happening,” the person said.
Another resident, who also requested anonymity, said the atmosphere in the city was tense.
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