Roads are the “arteries carrying peace and prosperity” across South Sudan

Greater Pibor Administrative Area - When the sun rises over Pibor in dry season, trucks begin to roll into this remote area with confidence.

Not long ago, undertaking the journey from South Sudan’s capital, Juba, was a gamble. Navigating roads bogged down with deep mud, rising floodwaters, and the persistent risk of ambushes, the drive could take weeks, causing the price of essential supplies to soar and businesses to stall.

Food wholesaler, Abraham Jowang, recalls a 25-kilogram bag of sugar usually selling for USD31 rising to over USD66, as transporters charged higher fees due to road insecurity and traders pass the cost to customers.

Today, it’s a different story, as peacekeeping engineers from Korea serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, steadily rehabilitate 300 kilometers of critical supply routes, including key corridors from Bor-Pibor and Pibor-Likuongole-Akobo.

“Our work keeps the lifeline for Greater Jonglei alive, particularly as it is a vital corridor for humanitarian assistance to communities in dire need,” says Commanding Officer, Colonel Choi Bo-Geol.

“Before, the road was in a terrible state. It was a real struggle. But now, if you have supplies coming from Juba, you receive them in good time,” says driver, Boloch Keleng Abraham.

Access means opportunity for all. Goods move faster. Markets replenish more quickly. Profits are steadier.

“There are a lot of changes in the market,” he explains. “This access has improved incomes and profits for businesspeople.”

Not every business has felt the recovery. For tea seller, Ms. Konkong, the scarcity and cost of products remain a challenge. Coffee costs around USD11 while a bag of sugar is USD100. On top of that, she pays USD5 in daily tax. She simply can’t make enough profit to sustain her family.

This is a reminder that improving infrastructure creates possibilities but stability and sustained economic growth takes time.

For Greater Pibor Administrative Area Chief Administrator, Gola Boyoi Gola, the transformation goes beyond roads.

“I call the peacekeepers the real development partners in our area.”

The Korean team has also kept internal roads open, maintained the airstrip which is critical in a landlocked area cut off by flooding for months every year, and contributed to community cohesion by building football fields and playgrounds.

This work supports, not just economic stability, but also peace and prosperity.

For tea sellers, it offers a chance, however fragile.

For business owners, it means growth.

For local authorities, it strengthens connections and governance.

For UNMISS, it brings diverse communities together through shared opportunities and a united determination to secure the better future they deserve.

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By Mach Samuel