Central Equatoria Calls for National Intervention After UPDF Border Breach

(JUBA) – Central Equatoria State has appealed to the National Government to open diplomatic engagement with Uganda over the recent incursion of the Uganda People’s Defence Force into Kajo-Keji County.

The appeal was made during an Ordinary Council of Ministers meeting chaired by the Governor of Central Equatoria State, Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, on Thursday in Juba.

Acting Information Minister Jacob Aligo Lo-Lado told journalists that the presence of Ugandan forces inside South Sudanese territory presents a direct challenge to national sovereignty.

He said the Council urged the National Government to initiate a peaceful dialogue with the Ugandan authorities in order to address the matter swiftly.

The cabinet also condemned an attack on Mogiri cattle market that took place last week and called on both the Greater Pibor Administrative Area and Jonglei State to avoid retaliatory actions in Central Equatoria State territory.

In addition, the Acting Information Minister expressed concern over reports of insecurity in Mangalla caused by land grabbing and other practices involving Internally Displaced Persons from Jonglei State.

He said the State Government has appealed to the National Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to help facilitate the voluntary return of displaced persons once floodwaters recede.

The Council also received a memorandum from the State Minister of Housing, Land and Public Utilities, David Morbe, outlining a series of land grabbing cases across the State.

After discussion, the cabinet directed the Ministry to prepare a land policy aimed at improving the administration and management of land within Central Equatoria.

The Council adopted a recommendation that all land demarcation should be carried out exclusively by the State Ministry of Housing, Land and Public Utilities.

Main Resolutions from CES Council Meeting