By Alan Clement
Members of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) have called for immediate government action to affirm South Sudan’s territorial integrity and resolve ongoing border disputes with neighboring countries.
The motion was tabled and deliberated by lawmakers during the 8th Ordinary Sitting on Wednesday August 20, 2025 with the aim affirming the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as defined by the 1956 boundaries.
The motion presented by Dr. Ghada James Killa, also sought to expedite border demarcation and produce an official map to be enshrined in the permanent constitution calling on the government to summon relevant ministries and strengthen diplomatic and security cooperation with neighboring states.
“Clear and secure borders are essential for the stability and development of our nation,” Dr. Ghada stated. “By affirming our territorial integrity and working towards well-defined and secure borders, we can enhance regional cooperation, prevent conflict, and focus on socio-economic development,” she added
Responding to the same issue, Peter Gatkuoth called the issue “a legal matter governed by international law,” warning that without land, the government cannot fully exercise sovereignty. “We have seen issues on boundaries like what is happening in Kajo-keji. Our government has been quiet; but we have to say something in parliament,” he urged recommending the summoning of the Ministers of Justice, Defense, Foreign Affairs, and National Security.
Charles Majak called for historical clarity stating that, “The Comprehensive Peace Agreement recognizes the boundaries of January 1st, 1956. We must produce that map and resolve conflict areas accordingly,” he said.
Another lawmaker, Bona Deng linked sovereignty to national defense.
He argued that sovereignty is also safeguarded by strength, not just law. “I believe that sovereignty is also protected by power and sometimes military power,” he said, pointing to the arms embargo on South Sudan as a factor undermining the country’s defense.
“The arms embargo has weakened our military capability, and that’s why neighbors encroach on our land,” he argued. “We must call for the lifting of the embargo to restore respect,” he continued adding, “I’m not calling for war, but when you have military capabilities, you are respected. The issue of land cannot be solved militarily but through diplomacy,” he added.
Kajo-keji lawmaker James Janga Duku accused Uganda of encroachment. “Uganda has deployed in five positions in South Sudan and is now constructing roads into South Sudan. They have demarcated the boundaries and planted the GPS five kilometers into South Sudan. Now when you move with the GPS instrument, it reads Uganda,” he warned, criticizing the government’s silence.
Meanwhile, Grace Abalo has criticized the executive’s inaction in implementing resolutions passed following deliberation of motions and called for fairness to all South Sudanese. “People in Kajo-keji are suffering, people are displaced but not a single minister, not even the minister of humanitarian affairs, have visited. This is very unfair,” she said, adding that the weakness of South Sudanese unity has emboldened neighbors.
She also lamented the deployment of the organized forces to protect border areas with inadequate supplies of basic necessities.
“When you see the SSPDF who deployed to protect the border, they have no food, no car even no medication. But when you see the KDF deployed, they have tanks. The SSPDF are human beings that we need to take care of them,” she said adding that in some locations, they trek for 10 kilometres to get water.
The motion recommends summoning the Border Committee, Ministry of Defense, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while mandating the Committees on Foreign Affairs, National Security, and Land to oversee implementation and report back within two weeks.
Deputy Speaker, Parmena Awerial Aluong, told the August House that the concerned ministers will be summoned through the appropriate channels and provide clarity to the members of parliament as soon as possible.
He urged the lawmakers to wait for when the ministers attend then they make the necessary proposals.