By Ijoo Bosco
Authorities in Magwi County have appealed for calm among citizens living along the border with Uganda, assuring them that the government is working to address the ongoing border dispute.
The call for calm comes after communities along the border line expressed concerns over the government’s silence on allegations of serious encroachment by Ugandan communities into Magwi County.
According to the residents, Ugandan troops deployed in the disputed areas have been intimidating and harassing local farmers, preventing them from cultivating their land along the border.
Magwi County Commissioner, Pole Pole Benjamin Olum, acknowledged the reports of intimidation and harassment by Ugandan forces against farmers residing near the border in the Pogee and Owinykibul payams.
“I have forwarded the report to the state already, and I believe the state may have escalated the issue to the national government, as this is now a matter involving the two countries,” Olum said.
The commissioner urged the communities living along the border to remain calm, expressing his belief that the two countries will eventually sit down and address the border dispute.
“What we are doing is only to ensure the local people on both sides are living in harmony. I would recommend that people remain calm as per the advice of our state authority,” Olum added.
Magwi County is currently experiencing what authorities describe as a “serious encroachment” by Ugandan communities, with reports indicating that Ugandan presence has extended about 25 kilometres into South Sudanese territory.
Just two weeks ago, the community of Pajok in Magwi County raised the alarm over the intimidation and harassment of farmers by Ugandan troops.
In response, the Eastern Equatoria State Governor, Louis Lobong, assured the residents that the international border issue remains the responsibility of the national government.
As the border dispute continues, Magwi County authorities are calling for patience and calm among the affected communities, while the national government works to negotiate a resolution with Uganda.