South Sudan-Uganda Border Dispute Is Threatening

WRITTEN BY WAAKHE SIMON WUDU

Mr. Jacob Kyansuk Isaac speaking to Gurtong in Wuddu Town [©Gurtong]Local authorities of the bordering districts of South Sudan’s Kajokeji County and Uganda’s Moyo and Yumbe Districts are yet to finalize border challenges surrounding these districts.

Speaking to Gurtong on Saturday, Kajokeji area MP Mr. Jacob Kyansuk who toured the border between Kajokeji, Moyo and Yumbe areas told Gurtong that, efforts to address the dispute need to be intensified.

After meeting the Ugandan district officials of the two bordering districts; Kyansuk pointed out that much as local government officials are willing for talks, there are advancing developmental plans by Ugandans into Kajokeji which appear to be a threat.

He pointed out that, Ugandan authorities are now establishing a World International Market in Pingo, an area in Liwolo Payam of Kajokeji County about 32miles from Kajokeji town, Wuddu. He also added that, Ugandans have planned to set another large market in Aforji, an area in-between the South Sudan and Uganda border.

The MP said South Sudanese local authorities have not been consulted by the Ugandan authority to establish the two markets.

Kyansuk said that, according to preliminary findings, the border was not demarcated since 1904, creating a challenge that may jeopardize bilateral links between the two countries if not well handled.

Efforts to speak to authorities of the two districts of Moyo and Yumbe have been fruitless.

Late last year, authorities in Kajokeji had accused neighbouring residents of Moyo District for encroachment while cultivating into their land. In turn, residents of Moyo warned South Sudanese to quit their land.

The standoff created tension between the neighbouring tribes of Kuku of Kajokeji and Madi of Moyo.

Efforts to address the matter are still pending as Central Equatoria State delegation is expected to do a fact finding mission along the border.

In 2010, there were fears in these areas when a fight was about to erupt between residents of Kajokeji and Moyo when unknown gunmen shot down three Ugandans at the border.

The Presidents of the two Countries; H.E Yuweri Museveni and Salva Kiir have since met in Moyo District in a move to address the matter.

The premiers then agreed that the issue should be resolved amicably by the local communities of Kajokeji and Moyo, adding that, due to the historical ties among the local leaders like Chiefs of these communities, they may know how to address the problem better.

However, up to date, efforts of the local communities in an attempt to address the matter have not resolved the issue. Whether the local communities will address the matter, absence of intervention from the national governments of the two countries will not mark an end to the border issue.

“Usually borders are very dangerous. Although I don’t think that something will happen but I think it’s better to solve it than to wait for problems to come,” Kyansuk told Gurtong.

http://www.oyetimes.com/news/105-africa/16937-south-sudan-uganda-border-dispute-is-threatening

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PaanLuel Wël

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PaanLuel Wël is the founder and editor-in-chief of PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd, a news website that covers news, opinions, analysis, history, culture and literature of South Sudan and the world. Founded in July 2011 by PaanLuel Wël to create a platform for free expression and constructive dialogue, the website features articles from various contributors, including columnists, commentators, poets, authors, activists and academics. PaanLuel Wël believes that media can play a vital role in informing, educating and empowering the people to participate in nation-building and social transformation. He also believes that media can foster a culture of dialogue, tolerance and diversity among different communities and groups, and hopes to inspire and mentor the next generation of South Sudanese writers and journalists.

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