By Sabri Dibaco
Uganda and South Sudan launched renewed bilateral peace and security talks in Arua District, Uganda.
The dialogue is aimed at addressing border-related tensions, strengthening cooperation, and promoting peaceful coexistence along their shared frontier.
The fifth Uganda–South Sudan Joint Bilateral Meeting brought together senior government officials, security agencies, local leaders, and diplomats from both countries. Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony led the South Sudanese delegation.
In his opening remarks, Central Equatoria State (CES) Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony described the forum as an important step toward implementing resolutions reached under the Yumbe Communiqué of October 27, 2023.
Citing that the discussions would help address outstanding challenges and prevent misunderstandings that have strained relations between border communities.
“This joint meeting is a key step in implementing the previous resolutions of the Yumbe Communiqué. It seeks to address challenges affecting earlier agreements and prevent misunderstandings that create mistrust between our two sisterly countries,” the statement reads
The governor said the relationship between Uganda and South Sudan is founded on decades of shared history, solidarity, and mutual support.
He praised Uganda for hosting hundreds of thousands of South Sudanese refugees during periods of conflict, describing the gesture as a humanitarian commitment that South Sudan deeply appreciates.
Addressing recent tensions around Kajo-Keji, Adil urged both countries to ensure that local border disputes are not allowed to escalate into national confrontations.
“Current border disputes should not be elevated from local community issues to a national standoff. The role of national security agencies and defence forces should be to support local border security, trade and peaceful coexistence rather than escalate matters that can be resolved by local communities and government institutions,” the statement added
The governor appealed to traditional leaders, local government authorities, and security agencies on both sides of the border to exercise restraint and safeguard the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
He also called on communities to adhere to the guidance of Presidents Salva Kiir Mayardit and Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in resolving border concerns peacefully.
Looking beyond security, Adil said the Uganda–South Sudan border should become a centre for regional economic integration.
Representing the Ugandan delegation, Ronnie Balya, ambassador of Uganda to South Sudan, emphasised the need for both governments to prioritise peace, stability, and the protection of civilians by acting swiftly to de-escalate tensions.
He also cautioned against the spread of misinformation and inflammatory narratives, warning that such messages often fuel hostility among border communities.
“Leaders and local communities have a responsibility to prevent elements within society from inciting xenophobia and hatred against one another,” he added.
Meanwhile, Arua Resident District Commissioner Gore Goffin assured delegates that Arua District is free from Ebola and safe to host the bilateral discussions, encouraging participants to engage openly and peacefully.
The meeting follows earlier Uganda–South Sudan bilateral engagements held in Koboko, Yumbe, and Moyo between 2017 and 2019, as well as previous consultations in Yei during Governor Adil’s tenure as governor of the former Yei River State.
Participants included cabinet ministers; commissioners from Yei River, Lainya, Morobo, and Kajo-Keji counties; resident district commissioners from Uganda; security officials; revenue authorities; and diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and 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 retired General Moses Ali, describing him as a distinguished leader whose contribution to Uganda would be remembered.
The renewed talks are expected to strengthen cross-border cooperation, improve security coordination, and foster peaceful relations between communities living along the Uganda–South Sudan border.