South Sudan: Eastern Equatoria State deploys forces along border with Uganda amid rising tensions

The government of Eastern Equatoria, a state in South Sudan, has deployed armed forces along its border with Uganda to deter disputes that arose following alleged livestock theft and encroachment by Ugandan forces into South Sudan territory.

According to Eastern Equatoria’ state minister of local government and law enforcement, Peter Lokeng, the deployment of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) along the border with Uganda aims at protecting communities and their properties in the region. He, however, decried the lack of water points for the recently deployed SSPDF forces, urging the government to intervene. “The reason for putting them there is the raiders who disturb the border people and their properties,” Lokeng said, adding that “this is the time for cultivation and they have to cultivate without criminals disturbing them. The forces along the corridor need water.”

Last September, local authorities in Pogee, Magwi County in Eastern Equatoria State reported significant encroachments by the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF). The tensions further escalated when a local chief was killed, his head cut off and body burnt to ashes by suspected Uganda forces as well as raiding unspecified number of cattle from South Sudan. The situation has alarmed the South Sudan residents and raised serious concerns about Juba’s silence. “The silence on this issue could be seen as a tactical decision to preserve vital trade relations and avoid provoking Uganda, which has historically been involved in South Sudanese affairs,” said Abraham Kuol Nyuon, political scientist at the University of Juba.