S. Sudan accuses neighbours of encroaching its territories

February 7, 2023 (JUBA) – South Sudan has accused its neighbours of taking advantage of its internal conflict to grab and encroach on to its territories.

Last week, hundreds of Toposa who inhabit Kapoeta East County and a section of state legislators in Eastern Equatoria State accused Kenyan officials of allegedly inciting Turkana tribesmen to annex parts of their land

South Sudan’s Deputy Foreign Affairs minister Deng Dau Malek said they have so far registered 42 points requiring attention of neighboring countries, but the leadership has decided to focus on internal conflict in the country.

“We registered 42 points along the border areas with neighboring countries. They are taking advantage of our situation and this is why the leadership has decided to give peace and stability priority,” he told reporters Tuesday.

Malek said government is committed towards resolving border disputes.

He stressed that not even an inch of the country’s land will be relinquished.

“South Sudan will never leave an inch of its land to another country. South Sudan is called a country because of a defined territory and population and we want to inform our youths to be calm, be patient, your country is addressing all these matters,” further explained the minister.

He added, “We have the National Border Commission that has been working with the Republic of Kenya and the Republic of Uganda. South Sudan has quite several areas that have been entered into by our neighbors and we have been discussing them in the context of the African Union and we have been engaging at that level between ourselves and these particular two countries.”

According to the deputy Foreign Affairs minister, the national government awaits a report from the governor of Eastern Equatoria State, Louis Lobong and the commissioner of Kapoeta East County on the recent fighting to allow them officially notify the government of Kenya over the border issue.

“We have not yet received official information from our governor in Eastern Equatoria State and the commissioner of Kapoeta East,” he said, adding “When we get information, we will inform Foreign Minister Mayik Ayii who will then officially communicate with his Kenyan counterpart, Alfred Mutua”.

Malek called for calm as efforts are underway to consolidate peace in the country before border issues with neighbouring nations are addressed.

(ST)