South Sudan, Uganda Leaders Convene in Arua to Ease Border Tensions

(ARUA CITY, UGANDA) – Authorities from Central Equatoria State and neighbouring districts in Uganda’s West Nile region are holding bilateral talks following renewed clashes between the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, or UPDF, and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, the SSPDF

The confrontation occurred on July 14th in Liwolo Payam of Kajo-Keji County, near Uganda’s Yumbe District.

The clashes reportedly displaced thousands of civilians, disrupted cross-border trade, and heightened tensions among communities living along the South Sudan-Uganda border.

Last week, Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony announced that efforts were underway at both state and national levels to address the situation and prevent further escalation.

According to a press statement issued on Thursday by the Governor’s Press Unit, the joint cross-border bilateral coordination meeting has now commenced in Arua City.

The meeting is co-chaired by Uganda’s Ambassador to South Sudan, Brigadier General Ronnie Balya and Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony.

The talks has brought together political and security leaders from Central Equatoria State and Uganda’s West Nile region.

Discussions are expected to focus on border security, the promotion of cross-border trade and strengthening peaceful coexistence among communities living along the shared border.

Officials say the talks are intended to improve cooperation and prevent future incidents that could threaten stability between the two neighbouring countries.

The two-day meeting is expected to conclude with recommendations aimed at enhancing security coordination and reinforcing relations between South Sudan and Uganda.