JUBA – South Sudan army said on Friday that it was deploying troops to a disputed area between Jonglei and Eastern Lakes states.
A dispute on a piece of land killed many people in fighting last year.
The government said the deployment of over 100 soldiers would provide protection to citizens in the disputed islands of Cuet-Akuet and Jorwac.
“Those forces are from the police, national security and SSPDF [South Sudan People’s Defense Force]. They compose of more than 100 personnel,” police commissioner for Jonglei State, Joseph Mayen Akoon, was quoted by Radio Tamazuj.
“Those forces were deployed to provide security in the disputed islands along the river,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Twic East County commissioner, Emmanuel Atem Mading said fishing activities have resumed in the disputed islands following the deployment of the joint security force.
Last month, transport along the Nile between the two states was suspended after two rival groups fought over Cuet-Akwet island. Several people were reportedly killed and others were injured.
Two rival communities— the Adhioc community from Jonglei’s Twic North County and Ciec community from Awerial East County of Eastern Lakes State — claim the ownership of Cuet-Akwet island.
