Adil cautions Uganda over threats of holdout groups

The Governor of Central Equatoria State, Emmanuel Adil Anthony, has cautioned Uganda’s districts bordering Kajo Keji, Moro, and Yei River counties against the influence of the National Salvation Front (NAS).

“We have experienced a lot of border clashes and encroachment, and we have decided that the border should be left for the two countries to solve,” he said.

“There have been land and border disputes, illegal logging, as well as a high rate of smuggling and trading, which are derailing our progress,” Adil added.

He made the remarks on Monday at a border peace and security meeting between South Sudan and Uganda in Moyo District.

“Our holdout groups who are opposed to the current revitalised peace agreement continue to recruit along the border to cause insecurity not only in South Sudan but also at the border of Uganda,” Adil stressed.

He said the Central Equatoria State at the border point with Uganda has been experiencing the spread of the coronavirus due to illegal crossings at the border, which he said often puts the two countries in trouble.

Adil said the government of Central Equatoria State and the local government of Uganda should ensure that the spread of COVID-19 is controlled.

“Some of the criminals from our side collude with some of your citizens at the border to cause insecurity in South Sudan and Uganda,” he said.

The delegation travelled to Moyo to reflect on the previous engagement they had in October 2018 in Moyo District.

He appealed to the Ugandan counterparts to assist each other and cooperate, especially in sharing information, to end the activities of the holdout group.

“We believe we are on the right track with our border relations, and we will work together as we agreed in Koboko, Yei and Jale last time,” Governor Adil said.

He said that as they are building peace at the border, the authorities of Uganda should know that South Sudan’s forestry is experiencing a lot of destruction and exploitation.

The Resident District Commissioner of Adjumani District, Taban Data Peter, said South Sudan would not experience any problems across the border if the meeting continued with the authorities from both sides.

He said the meetings that were held in Yei, Koboko, and Jale had brought goodwill among the people along the borders.

“If we continue with this meeting, we shall see change among the people living along the border points. It is a simple request that we resident district commissioners at the border hold more frequent meetings so that if such a meeting comes; we have something to give as testimony on how our unity is continuing,” Taban said.

 “When the first meeting occurred in Yei, leadership was formed, including some from South Sudan and Uganda,” he added.

He said border meetings between the commissioners have been very successful because there was a wrangle between the Kajo Keji and Moyo on one of the farmlands, but sitting between the two leaderships has brought peace in the area.