Border dispute committee to present findings this week
By Adia Jildo
A joint 14-member committee formed to investigate dispute along South Sudan-Uganda border is expected to render their findings this week, senior government official said.
Conflict erupted in Bamurye Payam in Kajo-Keji County of CES after residents from the neighboring districts in Uganda encroached into the area, looting property, burning houses and raising their flag in two locations, angering the youths to take action to defend their land.
The tension heightened after UPDF soldiers ambushed a peaceful youth protest abducting 4 men and killing one woman (all South Sudanese).
In a bit to resolve the tension, senior government officials from Central Equatoria state and Uganda districts of Yumbe, Moyo and Koboko met last week in Uganda to find ways of ending the conflict.
“Both sides were able to nominate members to that committee. Each side has nominated 7 members which we expect by this week to render their report which will help us on the next cause of action,” Wayi Godwill, CES minister of cabinet affairs said after briefing the governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony.
“The two parties involved in the conflict have calmed down and have listened to the voice of the committee. The meeting held in Moyo resolved for these people to be brought together so that they continue to co-exist.”
According to Wayi , the Ugandans who encroached into South Sudan territory had started renaming places as Gweri North sub-county and were installing LCs.
“One of the major triggers of the incident was what the people of Kajo Keji perceived as encroachment from their brothers from Yumbe, Moyo and Koboko because as these citizens were brought in, they started renaming places. There was information that they started installing LC3, LC1 which angered the community,” he said.
Wayi called on the two bordering communities to continue with bilateral trade, social-cultural activities and sports for a peaceful co-existence, as border issues will be handled by the top leadership f the two countries.
