Deputy governors from Western Equatoria and Lakes states have agreed to push for closer security cooperation and improved cross-border trade links between the two states, officials said after talks in Juba on Monday.
The discussions focused on security concerns along the border areas linking Mvolo County in Western Equatoria and Wulu County in Lakes State, as well as plans to improve trade and transport connectivity.
Western Equatoria Deputy Governor Justin Joseph Marona said the meeting addressed “mutual issues” affecting the two neighbouring states, including security, rule of law, trade, infrastructure and road access.
“We understand some of the security and rule of law issues happening between the two states, and we agreed these issues need to be addressed,” Marona told Radio Tamazuj.
He said the two sides discussed forming joint fact-finding and investigation teams to examine insecurity in border areas once local authorities were fully in place.
Marona said improved coordination and information-sharing among security agencies on both sides of the border would be critical to stabilising the area.
He also highlighted the economic potential of closer cooperation, saying Lakes State could supply livestock, groundnuts and other agricultural products, while Western Equatoria could provide coffee, tea, pineapples and other fruits.
“These are some of the comparative advantages that Western Equatoria can gain in terms of trade,” he said.
Lakes State Deputy Governor Isaac Luka Manga said the meeting focused on ways to “normalise” security relations between the two states and strengthen cooperation on law enforcement.
“We discussed possible ways on how the two states can join efforts to normalise security between Western Equatoria and Lakes State,” Manga said.
He said the officials also discussed improving prosecution procedures and managing criminal activities in border areas under the rule of law.
Manga said both sides supported reopening and securing trade routes linking Lakes State to Maridi, Yambio, Mundri and other towns in Western Equatoria.
He added that improved security would help economic activity and access to services, including healthcare at Mapuordit Hospital in Lakes State.
The two deputy governors said they had agreed to recommend a meeting between the governors of Western Equatoria and Lakes states to formalise cooperation on security, trade and public services.
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