South Sudan, Uganda urged to deploy joint force to ‘disputed’ areas

JUBA – South Sudan and Uganda should deploy a neutral joint military force along disputed border areas to prevent violence, according to Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani, Governor of Central Equatoria State.

Wani said deploying neutral joint security forces would address border-related crimes and issues.

He made the statement following his summons by the Council of States on Wednesday to answer queries on the encroachment of Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) into Kajo-Keji County of Central Equatoria State.

Wani called on the national government to provide resources to the state government to carry out dialogue for peaceful coexistence of communities along the borders with Uganda.

He said insecurity due to continuous provocation by UPDF and some unruly civilians from Moyo and Yumbe districts had resulted in killing people and affecting peace and tranquility.

He said the boundary dispute between Kajo-Keji County and Moyo as well as Yumbe district needed to be settled in a manner that upholds sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries, adding that the settlement of these disputes would benefit both South Sudan and Uganda.

“It can also promote cooperation, stability and economic growth in the region. The leadership of the government of the Republic of South Sudan and the government of the Republic of Uganda should demarcate the borderline between the two countries,” Wani said.

He believed that drawing the borders between the two countries was the only permanent solution to ending border disputes with Uganda.

“The permanent border committee formed by the presidents of the both countries should be directed to address the pending border issues to stop this problem,” he said.

“While efforts in ensuring a permanent solution continue, below are some temporary ways forward that the state and national government need to focus on.”

Wani urged South Sudanese refugees living in Uganda to return to their ancestral land to ensure security along the common border. He also called for improved service delivery to communities bordering Moyo and Yumbe districts, such as law and order, health, education, and road infrastructure.

Recently, the UPDF encroached into and took control of over 200 villages in Central Equatoria State’s Kajo Keji County and Magwi County in Eastern Equatoria State.

The UPDF allegedly then encroached into South Sudanese territory, established a military base, and started harassing farmers along the border, creating fear and panic among citizens.