Today, Ugandan forces set up tents in South Sudan’s southern region and closed the border, significantly escalating tensions between the two countries.
Local residents in Bori, a part of the southern Kajo Keji province, woke up to this surprise military activity.
Governor Phanuel Dumo said the sudden move led to heightened tensions. Some locals considered facing off with the Ugandan army.
“Immediate action is essential to prevent clashes,” Dumo stressed.
He called on the national government for quick intervention. Meanwhile, Lul Ruai Koang, spokesperson for the South Sudanese army, prefers diplomatic solutions.
“We are alert but hope for peaceful resolutions,” Koang mentioned.
Both sides agreed to let a joint border committee review the issue swiftly. This development follows years of tension between the two countries.
Specifically, disputes have been frequent around the Moyo and Magwe areas since 2012.
Clashes among the Acholi tribes from both countries have occurred over territorial claims. Each tribe claims the land occupied by the other. Hence, disputes persist.
In 2019, South Sudan launched a joint committee to delineate the border. Yet, tensions continue to bubble, making the current troop movement a cause for concern.
Background
This incident is not isolated but part of a broader history of border conflicts between the two nations.
Importantly, Moyo and Magwe areas have been flashpoints since 2012. Notably, these disputes often evolve into community clashes, complicating matters further.
In the past, efforts to resolve the issues haven’t yielded lasting results.
The Acholi tribes, divided by the border, further fuel the conflict with their territorial claims. The 2019 joint committee was promising but has not eliminated the strains.
Analysts suggest that resolving the complex tribal dynamics is key to long-term peace.
Therefore, this latest escalation serves as a critical wake-up call for renewed diplomatic action.