South Sudan, Sudan working to improve border trade relations
November 5, 2022 (WAU) – South Sudan and neighbouring Sudan are working to improve security and cross-border trade relations, a government official said on Friday.
Western Bahr el Ghazal state governor, Sarah Cleto Rial she was working with her counterpart in Darfur to promote harmony, peaceful coexistence and local cohesion.
She made the remarks at the graduation of the unified forces in the state capital, Wau.
“This historic graduation of the necessary unified force will not only play a critical role in providing and maintaining the security as provided for in the peace agreement, but it is a big boost to our efforts to enhance border security with Sudan,” explained Cleto.
She said local military commanders and traditional leaders are key in maintaining peace.
The governor further stressed that better coordination, collaboration and connectivity seek to not only boost national and regional trade, but create jobs and grow the economy.
“Efficient and effective border management procedures not only contribute to enhanced border security, but facilitate movement of people and goods across borders,” she said.
Cleto stressed the role of regional and international trade in enhancing economic growth.
South Sudan’s security adviser, Tut Gatluak Manime said the unified forces would strengthen government’s capacity to protect its own citizens by curtailing subnational and inter-communal violence and demonstrate South Sudan’s respect for human rights by enhancing accountability as well as guarantee the territorial integrity of the country.
“This day would not have been possible without the support of our brothers in Sudan, especially the role of the leadership of Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan. He [Al-Burhan] has been supportive throughout the process. They provided technical support, uniforms, and logistical supplies which were needed for this graduation,” explained Manime.
The South Sudanese army (SSPDF) chief of general staff, Gen. Santino Wol Deng commended the patience displayed by the recruits throughout the training period.
He affirmed the commitment of the military command to the full implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, including training and provision of technical and logistic support.
Defense minister, Angelina Teny commended the graduating forces for their patience.
She stressed that while the region’s security challenges are becoming increasingly complex, there is need for strong commitments to regional peace and security, broader engagement in peace and reconciliation efforts as well as international cooperation.
At least 13,628 soldiers, military officials said, graduated on Friday.
According to the 2018 peace deal, South Sudan is to train and graduate a unified force of 83,000 personnel to take charge of security during its transitional period.
(ST)