Kajo-Keji Peace Meeting Aborted by Armed Clahes Near Border

(KAJO-KEJI) – A reported armed clash took place on Monday afternoon in the Nyainga-Muda area of Bori Boma, located within Kangapo II Payam of Kajo-Keji County, Central Equatoria State. The incident occurred around 3:00 PM local time and involved what local officials allege was an attack by troops from the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF).

According to a statement issued by the Office of the Commissioner of Kajo-Keji County, the UPDF allegedly confronted a local joint security detachment stationed in the area. The South Sudanese security team was reportedly present to facilitate a planned cross border meeting with Ugandan local authorities.

The disrupted meeting was intended to take place at Fitinambaya Village near Nyainga-Muda, following an invitation extended by Hajji Sulaiman Bukya Lubwama, the Resident District Commissioner of Uganda’s Yumbe District. The encounter, according to local authorities, effectively collapsed the ongoing peace engagement efforts between communities on both sides of the border.

Gunfire was still being reported in the area as of the time of the county’s official statement on Monday evening. The exact cause and sequence of events remain unclear, and there has been no official confirmation from Ugandan authorities regarding the involvement of their military forces.

“We are actively coordinating with the security authorities on the ground to verify the full circumstances surrounding this development,” the Commissioner’s Office stated. “Due to the fluidity of the situation, verified information on casualties is not yet available.”

Residents in the affected area have been urged to remain calm and avoid travelling to or near the conflict zone. Authorities have also requested community members to share any information relevant to the incident through official communication channels.

South Sudan has frequently sought to maintain stable cross border relations with its neighbours, particularly Uganda, which hosts a significant number of South Sudanese refugees and remains a key regional ally. However, border areas such as Kangapo II Payam remain sensitive due to overlapping security jurisdictions, unresolved border demarcations and local tensions.

No further details have emerged regarding the identities of those involved in the confrontation. The South Sudanese authorities have pledged to continue working with national and regional security bodies to de-escalate the situation and protect civilians.

While cross border cooperation is widely supported in principle, such efforts remain vulnerable to misunderstandings or provocations that can quickly spiral into violence.