Fostering Road Safety Along the Northern Corridor: A Milestone Achieved in South Sudan.

In a landmark initiative to enhance road safety along the Northern Corridor, the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA), in collaboration with key stakeholders, successfully conducted a Road Safety Awareness Campaign in South Sudan from November 18th to 22nd, 2024. This impactful campaign, spanning three days, aimed to promote safer road usage along one of Africa’s most critical trade routes. The event, hosted in Juba, brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, law enforcement, transport operators, and the public, in a united effort to reduce road accidents and save lives.

The launch event was graced by esteemed leaders, including Ms. Mary Akech Milla, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, who emphasized South Sudan's commitment to tackling road safety issues.

“Most road accidents are preventable,” she stated. “Today, I call on each of us to take responsibility as road users. Together, we can create a future where our roads are paths to prosperity, not danger

Dr. John Deng, Executive Secretary of the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority (NCTTCA), highlighted the campaign's broader regional impact.

“The Northern Corridor is not just a trade route—it’s a lifeline. This campaign reflects our shared commitment to saving lives and supporting sustainable economic growth by ensuring safer roads,” he said.

Lt. Gen. James Ruot Wuor, Assistant Inspector General of Police, stressed the need for collective action.

“Road safety is not the responsibility of one individual or institution. It requires the unified effort of policymakers, law enforcement, transport operators, and road users. Together, we can make every journey a safe one,” he remarked​.

The campaign sought to educate road users on the causes of accidents and promote safe driving practices; advocate for proper vehicle maintenance and the use of safety gear like helmets and seatbelts; raise awareness about the safety needs of vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists; and foster a culture of shared responsibility and advocate for stronger road safety policies.

Interactive roadshows captivated audiences in high-traffic areas, including Konyo Konyo, Shirikat, New Site, Gudele, Customs, Jebel, Gumbo, and Nesitu, with skits, music performances, and safety quizzes engaging over 5,000 participants. Additionally, social media campaigns and media coverage amplified the initiative’s message, reaching thousands more.

Roadshows held in Juba and along the route to Nesitu reached over 5,000 participants with skits, quizzes, and music performances. These interactive sessions emphasized practical safety measures and reached a broad audience, including truck drivers and pedestrians at markets, bus stops, and other key locations.

A media campaign complemented the on-ground efforts, utilizing TV, radio, and social media to amplify the message. Billboards at strategic locations, branded materials such as reflective jackets, t-shirts and caps enhanced visibility and extended the campaign’s reach.

Dusing engagements with stakeholders during the campaign highlighted the need for infrastructure improvement, sustained efforts on road safety and inter-agency collaboration.

Dr. Deng underscored the importance of partnerships: “This campaign is part of a larger regional initiative, and its success depends on the sustained collaboration of all stakeholders. Together, we can transform the Northern Corridor into a safe and efficient trade route”​

The stakeholders called for the development of regulation guiding road safety initiatives and enforcement.

The Road Safety Awareness Campaign marked a significant milestone in South Sudan’s journey toward safer road usage. Its clarion call— “THINK SAFETY. TAKE YOUR REST. ARRIVE ALIVE!”—resonated as a powerful reminder of the shared responsibility to protect lives.

With plans to extend the initiative to Burundi and the DRC, the campaign sets a strong foundation for creating safer, more efficient transportation systems across the region.