Sudan conflict undermines stability, Kiir tells state governors

July 25, 2023 (JUBA) – South Sudan President Salva Kiir has directed governors of states bordering neighbouring Sudan to take charge of the security situation.

Kiir, in a statement on the state-owned television (SSBC) on Tuesday, warned that fighting involving rival military factions in Sudan remains a national security threat.

The president directive was addressed to the governors of Lakes, Warrap and Unity states as well as to administrators in Ruweng and Abyei administrative areas.

He cited cattle raiding among communities as a situation that could be exploited and porous borders used as avenues through which weapons can be smuggled.

The South Sudanese leader made the remarks at a meeting of the Warrap, Lakes and Unity state governors as well as the chief administrators of Ruweng and Abyei.

Meanwhile, the presidential security advisor, Tut Gatluak Manime attributed conflicts to the presence of illicit firearms in the hands of unauthorized persons.

He said a peace and reconciliation conference that brings together the various communities bordering neighbouring Sudan will be conducted in Warrap state.

“The government would also embark on civilian disarmament in order to stem out all the unnecessary conflicts among communities in the region,” stressed Manime.

The meeting was also attended by top security chiefs from the National Security Service (NSS), South Sudan Police Service (SSPS) and the national army (SSPDF), signifying the dangers unauthorized weapons pose to the civil population.

Since fighting broke out in Sudan in April, over 3.3 million people have reportedly been displaced within the country and across borders. Prior to the crisis, however, Sudan was home to 1.1 million refugees from South Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia.

(ST)