Uganda-South Sudan border conflict amplifies despite bilateral appeals for demarcation

By Nangayi Guyson

Uganda-South Sudan border conflict amplifies despite bilateral appeals for demarcation

In recent years, the border between Uganda and South Sudan has become a flashpoint for escalating tensions, with repeated confrontations raising concerns about regional security. The long-standing silent territorial conflict has now been reignited, resulting in fatalities, injuries, and the displacement of innocent civilians. While both governments express a commitment to resolving the border demarcation conflict through dialogue and cooperation, the reality on the ground remains tense.

The current territorial conflict is deeply rooted and somewhat complex, having arisen for ethnic, historical and political reasons. The ongoing border dispute has simmered since September 2014, when violent skirmishes erupted near Kajokeji County in South Sudan and Moyo District in Uganda. At that time, clashes between South Sudanese and Ugandan forces led to numerous casualties and left thousands of residents displaced from their homes.

The conflict has now drawn fresh attention as both nations grapple with the fallout from recent confrontations. Fast forward to August of this year and an escalation occurred when South Sudan accused Uganda of constructing a road from Gobor to Nyaingamuda in South Sudan without seeking permission, once again igniting tensions. As the situation at the border remains precarious, reports have emerged detailing a recent raid by the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) in Tsertenya in the Eastern Equatorial State of South Sudan and bordering Uganda

In another incident, eyewitness accounts indicate that UPDF forces allegedly crossed into South Sudanese territory, leading to the theft of cattle and an AK-47 rifle from a herdsman. Although no casualties were reported, the incident has left the local population in a state of fear and uncertainty.

In an interview with Radio Tamazuj, Timon Loboi, the Commissioner of Ikotos County in South Sudan, explained why the UPDF’s raid has shaken the community.

“The mood of all the people there is scary as they do not want to talk. This needs intervention from our government,” Loboi emphasized, highlighting the desperate need for immediate action to quell the rising tensions.

Elia John Ahaji, the Information and Communication Minister and Government Spokesperson of South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria State, confirmed the gravity of the situation, stating that the government is in ongoing communication with Uganda.

He expressed concern about the potential for further escalation while urging border communities to prioritize peaceful coexistence.

“We will engage the border communities to devise means of sharing their resources,” Ahaji stated, stressing the necessity of collaboration in these turbulent times.

In an attempt to find a solution to the border hostilities, the Ugandan authorities convened with their South Sudanese counterparts in Madi Opei on 13 November.

Both governments pleaded for dialogue and cooperation to resolve the border demarcation conflict in the hope that discussions would pave the way to achieve a more stable and peaceful environment along the border.

Uganda’s Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs announced in a press release that the country was advocating for the fast-tracking of joint border demarcation efforts, a vital step designed to address the security challenges that are plaguing the Karamoja region.

Meanwhile, the fear and uncertainty among border communities threaten not only people’s livelihoods but also the stability of the region as a whole, with experts pointing out that it is crucial that both nations prioritize peaceful negotiations and actively engage with their citizens to prevent further misunderstandings and hostilities.