South Sudan uses the port of Djibouti as an import route

JUBA – South Sudan plans to use the port of Djibouti as an import route for goods from international markets.

Chamber of Commerce Deputy Chairman Lado Lukak Legge said plans were underway to divert trade from the Port of Mombasa to Djibouti.

“We are in talks with the Djibouti authorities so that we can connect Djibouti, Ethiopia and South Sudan so that we can use the port of Djibouti via Ethiopia,” Lukak said during a networking business seminar for Ethiopian traders hosted by the Embassy in Juba was organized on Thursday.

Lukak said it was easier and cheaper to import goods through the port of Djibouti.

“Djibouti is close to South Sudan compared to the port of Mombasa in Kenya, and the Djibouti government stands ready to strengthen trade ties with South Sudan and Ethiopia.”

Lukak called on the governments of Djibouti, Ethiopia and South Sudan to build roads connecting these countries to facilitate the movement of goods.

“We want roads connecting Djibouti to Ethiopia and South Sudan so that we can use Djibouti’s port to reduce dependence on Kenya’s Mombasa.”

“We would like the governments of both countries to strengthen their bilateral ties and allow access for South Sudan to use the port of Djibouti to export goods and other essential goods.”

South Sudan receives much of its imports from the port of Mombasa in Kenya via Uganda.

Trading companies have long complained about losses due to the congested port.