Hundreds of locals in Nadapal and Nakodok in Eastern Equatoria’s Kapoeta East County took to the streets early on Wednesday to protest against encroachment by Kenyan army into the South Sudan territory.
The Commissioner of Kapoeta East County Adballah Lokeno said over 2,000 youth are demonstrating after four military vehicles full of Kenyan troops were spotted crossing into the area from the Kenyan side.
The Kenyan troops reportedly stormed the area on Tuesday afternoon, but retreated after seeing hundreds of local youth.
However, the local government official said no harm has been reported.
He confirmed to Eye Radio this morning that the youth demand for an immediate solution to the border area to allow the local people enjoy peace.
“Today, there is demonstration by the youth of Kapoeta East County following the incident that happened yesterday where Kenyan soldiers entered our territory,” he said.
“They entered South Sudan, but they went back immediately when they saw the youth. They ran back in four vehicles. This protest is to tell the national government to solve the issue in Kapoeta East County and that the Kenyan government is trying to encroach into its land”.
Commissioner Lokeno said it is not the first time that the foreign troops have crossed into South Sudan.
In the past, incidents of cattle and land-related clashes have been reported in the border area of Nadapal, claiming lives of locals.