KAJO-KEJI – Two regional bodies tasked with building peace and addressing cross-border security concerns visited Kajo-Keji County in Central Equatoria State on August 25, in response to recent clashes between the Ugandan and South Sudanese troops.
The visiting delegations were the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) which comprises of 12 member-states, and the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM) which was created in 2012 to monitor and investigate security incidents.
The mission to Kajo-Keji follows the current border dispute between South Sudan and Uganda, which triggered deadly conflict and displaced thousands in several border villages including Nyaigamuda, Bori Boma, Kangapo II Payam.
Before proceeding to the disputed area, the teams met Kajo-Keji Commissioner Wani Jackson Mule and local army commander Brig. Gen. Buri Henry as well as other administrators, religious leaders, landlords, and other local leaders.
The meeting deliberated on the concerns of local communities who have lost their land to encroaching Ugandan troops and shared determination to pursue dialogue, ease tensions, and secure lasting peace for the people of Kajo Keji and the wider Great Lakes Region.
The ICGLR member states are Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, DR Congo, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia.
It works to transform the Great Lakes Region into a space of sustainable peace and security through joint and coordinated efforts.
UPDF encroachment
Kajo-Keji Commissioner Wani told media on August 17 that the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) had deployed troops to five locations inside South Sudan, triggering panic among local populations.
The reported UPDF deployment came weeks after South Sudan and Uganda agreed to form a committee to investigate clashes between their two armies that killed several soldiers mainly from South Sudan on July 28.
“This is a threat and it causes displacement. Whenever a force is deployed, residents of the area will start to flee. The newly deployed areas include Gorbeleng, Lowiling, Merewa, Goloko and other areas.”
Joint committee
On August 9, the South Sudan and Uganda armies agreed to form a joint investigative committee to probe the cause of July 28 clashes, where five South Sudan security officers were killed by Ugandan soldiers who attacked their post at Bori Boma, Kangapo Payam.
The step was announced following a meeting between Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces of Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) with his South Sudan counterpart Gen. Dau Aturjong in Juba.
In a press statement, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said both leaders reiterated their “unwavering commitments to maintaining our long historical bilateral ties” on traditional areas of mutual trust and interests.
“The duo agreed on immediate formation of a 14-man joint investigation Committee with equal representation from both armies,” Lul said.
He added that the Committee will be temporarily based in Gulu, Uganda and work would commence soon to determine on the exact causes of the clashes in Kajo Keji County, Central Equatoria State.
The Committee is talked with the responsibility of coming up with recommendations aimed at aiding the two principals to make informed decisions on the implementation of best solutions to end recurrent border disputes.
But it is unclear if the committee has started its work.