A high-level delegation led by the Governor of Central Equatoria State is in Arua to attend a cross-border peace and security meeting to address border-related concerns.
A cross-border peace and security meeting commenced today at Arua, Uganda, bringing Leaders from Uganda and South Sudan together to address border-related concerns.
The meeting aims to address the recent tensions in Kajo-Keji and to discuss amicable solutions for border disputes.
In his opening remarks, Governor Emmanuel described the joint meeting as a key step in implementing previous resolutions of the 27th October 2023 Yumbe Communique. He said the meeting aims to address challenges affecting previous agreements and to prevent misunderstandings that create mistrust between the two sisterly countries.
Governor Adil noted that Uganda-South Sudan relations are rooted in decades of shared struggles and mutual support and commended Uganda for hosting hundreds of thousands of South Sudanese refugees during periods of conflict, calling it a humanitarian commitment that South Sudan will continue to appreciate.
The Governor stated that current border disputes should not be elevated from local community issues to a national standoff. He said the role of National Security Agencies and Defense Forces should be to support local border security, trade, and peaceful coexistence, rather than to escalate matters that should be handled by local communities and Government institutions.
He urged traditional leaders, local Government authorities, and security agencies along the common border to avoid actions that could damage bilateral relations. He stressed that both communities should uphold the directives of Presidents Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda and Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan to guide the resolution of border issues.
The Governor also called for the Uganda-South Sudan border to be transformed into a hub for economic prosperity and a model for Pan-African integration to boost socio-economic growth, trade, and tourism for future generations.
Representing the Ugandan delegation, Amb. Brig. Gen. Ronnie Balyah called on the leadership of the two neighboring countries to prioritize peace, stability, and civilian protection by acting promptly to de-escalate tensions along the border.
Brig. Gen. Balyah stressed that accountability must be ensured for any incidents that occur, and that prevention mechanisms should be put in place to stop future violence.
He also warned against misinformation and inflammatory narratives, noting that such content often provokes emotional responses within communities. He urged leaders of the two sisterly countries and local communities to be proactive and act responsibly at all times, adding that they have a responsibility to prevent elements within society from inciting xenophobia and hatred against each other.
The Resident District Commissioner of Arua, Mr. Gore Goffin, assured the delegations that Arua District is Ebola-free and safe. He urged both sides to engage freely and peacefully in discussions on border matters.
The bilateral meeting follows previous sessions held in Koboko, Yumbe, and Moyo between 2017 and 2019, and in Yei during Governor Adil’s tenure as Governor of Yei River State.
Attendees included some Cabinet members, Commissioners of Yei, Lainya, Morobo, Kajo-keji, and the Resident District Commissioners, including Security Operatives, Revenue Officers from either side.