4th Tripartite Boundary Committee meeting for South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda . December 21, 2024. (Photo: Uganda ministry of foreign affairs).

The 4th Tripartite Technical Boundary Committee(TTBC) meeting comprising South Sudan, Kenya and Uganda to recall progress in the past meetings has concluded with the signing of an agreement on establishment of a tri-junction.

Border disputes between the three countries primarily in the areas of Nakodok, Nadapal, Lamwo, Nimule, Kajo-Keji, Ikwoto and Moyo and have been a longstanding issue that sometimes escalate to armed clashes since 2014.

The conflict is deeply rooted in historical arrangements made during colonial times when borders were drawn without consultation with local populations. This has led to tensions among various ethnic groups who inhabit these regions.

The meeting held in Kampala from 17th -19th December 2024 was to follow up on agreed positions as the three countries edge towards border demarcation in 2027.

In a press statement, Uganda’s foreign ministry said the meeting also revised work-plans and budget for the establishment of a tri-junction and to agree on the date for the re-affirmation of the Tri-junction Point of the three countries.

Uganda’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, said it is important to conclude and implement previously agreed upon modalities for establishment of tri-junction boundary point.

Bagiire stressed the importance of border re-affirmation and demarcation given its far-reaching implications for regional stability, cooperation, and development.

He added that the tri-junction is a vital geographical and political point that will help mitigate conflicts orchestrated by historical clashes that have arisen from disputes over unclear boundaries.

“The three nations are bound together not only by geography but by shared heritage, language, customs and norms including having mutual interests in trade, security and development,” he said.

Mr. Bagiire commended the African Union Border Programme (AUBP), the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ), and the East African Community (EAC) for their continued facilitation of the border activities through provision of equipment, funds and technical capacity building.

He said the partners have also contributed to the sensitization drives that have been key in getting the border communities and their leadership on board in support of the border demarcation activities.

The Head of Delegation of Republic of Kenya Ms. Juster Nkoroi noted that the three countries have successfully implemented all activities of the establishment of the tri-junction.

These included seven sensitization exercises like the High-level Ateker leaders meeting held in Moroto in November 2024 and Peace Caravan, including bench-marking tours in July 2023.

She informed the meeting that Kenya is committed and ready to implement the MOUs on reaffirmation, delimitation and demarcation of her respective boundaries with Uganda and South Sudan in order to comply with the AU deadline of 2027.

The Head of Delegation of the Republic of South Sudan, Hon. Dr. David Nailo Mayo, reminded the meeting that the AU Border Programme since its creation in 2007 had been working diligently on border matters and their assistance was enormous especially in supporting delegates to border meetings.

The Tripartite meeting ended with the signing of the Report of the Kenya-South Sudan-Uganda Tripartite Technical Boundary Committee Meeting on the establishment of the Tri-junction.

Uganda and South Sudan have since agreed to commence demarcation of their border in 2027, according to a December 2024 declaration from both governments.