State authorities from Central Equatoria State and leaders from Uganda’s West Nile region convened in Kajo-Keji County for high-level bilateral talks aimed at resolving persistent border security dynamics and territorial tensions.
The security situation along the shared frontier, rooted in historical administrative boundaries and post-independence state-building challenges, intensified following recent incursions and clashes involving the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in areas such as Kangapo II Payam. The incidents led to civilian displacement and prompted urgent calls for diplomatic intervention and formal border demarcation.
Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony commended South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni for authorizing the joint engagement.
“Our relationship with Uganda has been built over many decades through shared struggles, mutual support, and regional solidarity,” he stated, expressing gratitude to the Ugandan government and host communities for sheltering displaced South Sudanese refugees.
Governor Adil also extended condolences to the people of Uganda following the passing of former General Moses Ali.
Representing the Ugandan delegation, Arua Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Gore Goffin emphasized the critical need for immediate de-escalation, mutual accountability, and preventive security mechanisms to avert further violence.
“As leaders of these two sister countries and communities, we must act promptly and proactively,” he urged, warning against inflammatory rhetoric. “We must not allow elements within our societies to incite xenophobia or hatred against one another.”
The talks concluded with both delegations committing to implement key bilateral security agreements, curb misinformation, and strengthen local joint mechanisms to protect civilians and maintain peace along the border.
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