In order to resolve the continuing tensions caused by border encroachments, South Sudanese and Ugandan military chiefs met at a high level in Kampala.
The September 28, 2024, meeting of the South Sudan’s Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) General Santino Deng Wol and his Ugandan counterpart, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, aimed at de-escalating tensions along the border, which has experienced repeated incursions by the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF).
The military chiefs agreed on a six-point action plan aimed at fostering peace and collaboration.
SSPDF spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai said in a statement on Wednesday that a crucial aspect of the agreement includes an immediate halt to UPDF’s incursions into South Sudanese territories, providing time for diplomatic negotiations to establish permanent border demarcations.
“UPDF stops further encroachment into South Sudan territories. This pause is aimed at giving time to the two governments to find lasting solutions to the recurrent border issues,” Lul said.
To prevent future disputes, both governments have committed to continuing discussions on this front through a high-level technical committee.
In recent months, the Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) have increased incursions and established military bases within South Sudanese territory in border areas of Magwi County of Eastern Equatoria and Kajokeji County of Central Equatoria states.
The residents accused UPDF of displacing, harassing, and threatening, creating an atmosphere of fear and panic among the border communities.
These actions have disrupted agricultural activities, as farmers are afraid to tend to their fields, which could lead to food insecurity in the region.
The encroachment raised concerns among citizens and leaders, with some accusing President Salva Kiir’s office of being complicit in the encroachment due to its silence over the incursions.
