CAR, South Sudan signs border security cooperation agreement
September 3, 2023 (JUBA) – South Sudan and the Central African Republic (CAR) have signed an agreement designed to strengthen border security cooperation and facilitate trade between these two neighbouring nations.
The pact came to fruition following a visit by CAR President Faustin Archange Touadéra to Juba on Friday. Upon his arrival at Juba International Airport, President Salva Kiir and senior officials warmly welcomed him.
President Touadéra was accompanied by CAR’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sylvie Valérie Baipo-Temon, alongside several other high-ranking officials.
Afterwards, President Kiir and President Touadéra conducted separate meetings before inviting their respective cabinets to a joint session. During this session, they oversaw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding covering trade and security aspects along their shared borders. Additionally, they were witnesses to the signing of an agreement that commits both countries to waive visa requirements for their citizens, facilitating free movement between the nations.
This marked President Touadéra’s first official visit to South Sudan since his election as President in 2016. The decision for this visit was reached during discussions held on the sidelines of a meeting of neighbouring countries in Cairo, where they deliberated on the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Cabinet Affairs Minister Martin Elia Martin, who signed the agreement on behalf of South Sudan, emphasized the importance of the signed agreements. He stated that the two nations had entered into a joint cooperation agreement on trade and investment with the aim of fostering development between them.
CAR’s Foreign Minister Baipo-Temon also confirmed that the two leaders had signed a Memorandum of Understanding covering trade and security aspects along their borders.
Minister Martin elaborated that this agreement would serve as a foundational framework, facilitating enhanced security cooperation between the two countries, and ultimately contributing to regional stability and security.
Concerns related to national security in this region have periodically arisen due to the presence of certain groups that exploit the porous borders among these nations.
Minister Martin highlighted that this framework offers an essential mechanism for collaborative efforts. However, he refrained from divulging specific details about the groups whose presence and activities along the shared border have attracted the attention of the respective governments.
South Sudan has expressed unease about the presence of Wagner contractors in CAR, who provide security for President Touadéra and train CAR’s army to counter rebel groups. Additionally, the presence of the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF) near Um Dafug on the border with South Sudan has raised concerns. These forces cooperate with a Russian mercenary group in mining activities.
To prevent complications with Sudan, Juba sought to clarify its relationship with CAR to avoid any allegations of supporting the RSF, which is engaged in armed conflict with the Sudanese army and allegedly utilizes Central African territory to receive weapons and ammunition.
Confidential sources with deep insights into the agreement revealed to Sudan Tribune on Saturday that the deal will establish an expedited mechanism for deploying troops, conducting search operations, and promoting robust cooperation and information sharing between the two countries.
(ST)