4th July 2026

Morobo authorities release Congolese detainees, reopens border crossing

Author: Diko D Andrew | Published: July 3, 2026

Photo Credit|Courtesy

Morobo local authorities have released the final two Congolese nationals who were detained along the South Sudan–Democratic Republic of Congo border on suspicion of involvement in rebel-related activities.

According to the Office of the Commissioner Morobo County, the two individuals were part of a group of seven Congolese civilians arrested in Irri village near Karagba on suspicion of involvement in rebel-related activities.

Local authorities said the arrests were carried out by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) amid heightened insecurity in the border area, where armed groups alleged to be NAS holdouts have been linked to incidents including road ambushes and cattle theft.

The detentions prompted a temporary shutdown of the Karagba border point for nearly three days while security agencies conducted investigations into the incident.

Officials confirmed that the final two detainees were released following consultations between local leaders and security officials on both sides of the border. A Congolese traditional leader, Chief Tsukia Likambo David of the Kakuwa community, welcomed the decision and called for stronger cross-border cooperation to improve security and relations between communities.

The Morobo County Commissioner, who visited the Isebi military garrison ahead of the release, said the decision reflected the importance of coordination between security forces and local communities in maintaining stability along the border.

He also urged both South Sudanese and Congolese authorities to strengthen joint efforts to curb criminal activity and ensure free movement of civilians across the border.

Following the release, authorities confirmed that the Karagba border crossing has now been reopened, restoring movement between South Sudan and the DRC after the brief suspension.

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