Uganda, South Sudan Hold Border Security Talks in Arua to Ease Tensions

Senior government officials from Uganda and South Sudan on Thursday convened in Arua District for the 5th Uganda–South Sudan Joint Bilateral Meeting, aimed at strengthening cross-border peace, resolving border disputes, and enhancing economic cooperation.

The meeting brought together leaders from both countries to address recent tensions along the common border, particularly in Kajo-Keji County, and to identify peaceful and lasting solutions to border-related challenges.

Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony is leading the South Sudanese delegation. Opening the meeting, Governor Adil described the bilateral forum as a crucial step toward implementing resolutions adopted under the Yumbe Communiqué of 27 October 2023.

He said the meeting seeks to address outstanding challenges affecting previous agreements while preventing misunderstandings that could undermine the longstanding relationship between the two neighboring countries.

Governor Adil noted that relations between Uganda and South Sudan are founded on decades of shared history, mutual support, and cooperation. He commended Uganda for hosting hundreds of thousands of South Sudanese refugees during periods of conflict, describing the country’s hospitality as a humanitarian commitment that South Sudan deeply appreciates.

The governor urged both governments not to allow localized border disputes to escalate into national-level confrontations.

“Border issues should remain community matters handled through dialogue and established government institutions,” he said, adding that security agencies and defense forces should focus on maintaining peace, facilitating trade, and supporting peaceful coexistence rather than escalating tensions.

He further called on traditional leaders, local government officials, and security agencies along the border to exercise restraint and uphold the directives of President Salva Kiir Mayardit and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in resolving border disputes peacefully.

Governor Adil also emphasized the need to transform the Uganda–South Sudan border into a corridor for economic growth, regional integration, trade, and tourism that benefits communities on both sides.

Representing the Ugandan delegation, Ambassador Brig. Gen. Ronnie Balyah urged leaders of both countries to prioritize peace, stability, and the protection of civilians by taking swift action to de-escalate tensions along the border.

He stressed the importance of ensuring accountability for any security incidents while strengthening preventive mechanisms to avert future violence.

Brig. Gen. Balyah also cautioned against misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric, warning that false narratives can inflame tensions within border communities. He urged political leaders, local authorities, and communities to act responsibly and prevent the spread of messages that could fuel xenophobia or hatred between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Arua Resident District Commissioner Gore Goffin assured delegates that Arua District is free of Ebola and safe for participants, encouraging open and constructive dialogue throughout the meeting.

The bilateral forum builds on earlier cross-border meetings held in Koboko, Yumbe, and Moyo between 2017 and 2019, as well as a previous session in Yei during Governor Adil’s tenure as Governor of the former Yei River State.

The meeting was attended by cabinet ministers, commissioners from Yei, Lainya, Morobo, and Kajo-Keji counties, resident district commissioners, security officials, revenue authorities, diplomats from South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and officials from the South Sudan Embassy in Kampala.

In a gesture of solidarity, Governor Adil conveyed condolences to the people of Adjumani District and Uganda following the death of veteran Ugandan statesman Hon. Gen. (Rtd.) Moses Ali.