By Deng Ghai Deng
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has revealed that the government is actively investigating reports of foreign military encroachments into South Sudan’s territory.
The incursions, attributed to the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) and Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have been identified as a critical national concern.
Western Bahr el Ghazal State authorities have reported that the RSF has moved into South Sudanese territory, occupying at least five payams within Raja County. This development follows a prior incursion by the UPDF in Pogee, Eastern Equatoria, and Kajo-Keji County in Central Equatoria State.
John Samuel Bwogo, undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, emphasized that these encroachments are pressing issues for the Ministry and involve multiple government institutions.
“We are investigating the situation and have established standing committees to address border issues with Uganda, Kenya, and Sudan. We are in continuous discussions with our neighboring countries,” Bwogo stated, underscoring the importance of respecting international borders.
“You cannot just encroach into somebody’s territory.”
The issue gained prominence last week when reports emerged from Pogee village in Magwi County, indicating that the UPDF had occupied South Sudanese land, displacing local communities and establishing new settlements in several areas.
The UPDF reportedly set up over eight new barracks along the border, heightening regional tensions.
Despite the rising alarm, the South Sudan government has been notably quiet. Experts suggest that the lack of a strong response might be attributed to internal political and economic challenges.
Dr. Abraham Kuol Nyuon, a political scientist and Principal at the University of Juba, posits that the government’s subdued reaction could be a strategic decision influenced by internal strife and economic reliance on Uganda as a critical trade partner.
South Sudan People Defense Force (SSPDF) spokesperson Maj Gen Lul Ruai Koang confirmed that the military is aware of the situation but emphasized that a political solution is required to resolve the issue effectively.