tCross-border talks being held under auspices Uganda’s Amb. to South Sudan, H.E Brig. Gen. Ronnie Balyah and South Sudan's Central Equatoria State Governor, H.E Gen. Emmanuel Adil Anthony

The Governor of Central Equatoria State, Emmanuel Adil Anthony, and Uganda’s Ambassador to South Sudan, Brigadier General Ronnie Balyah, have emphasized the need for peace, stability and stronger cooperation along the South Sudan-Uganda border to prevent violence and promote peaceful coexistence between communities.

Speaking at the Uganda–South Sudan Joint Border Meeting in Arua, Governor Adil said the relationship between the two countries has been built over decades of shared struggles and regional solidarity.

He said, and I quote, “Our South Sudan relationship with Uganda has been built over many decades through shared struggles… We had mutual support and regional solidarity in the African struggle way back in history.” End quote.

Adil also commended Uganda for hosting South Sudanese refugees displaced by conflict.

He said, and I quote, “I want to commend the Government of Uganda for its hospitality, generosity and compassion demonstrated in hosting our displaced people as a result of the conflict that befell our country.” End quote.

The governor described the meeting as an important step toward implementing resolutions agreed upon during previous bilateral engagements.

He said, and I quote, “This meeting in Arua today is significant, encouraging and affirming a formal endorsement to begin the implementation of the resolutions contained in our communiqué signed in Yumbe on October 27.” End quote.

Uganda’s Ambassador to South Sudan, Brigadier General Ronnie Balyah, said the two countries should work together to ensure peace and protect civilians living along the border.

He said, and I quote, “We want to emphasize our shared interest in peace, stability and civilian protection by ensuring de-escalation, accountability for bad incidents that happen and putting in place prevention mechanisms to ensure no recurrence of violence along the border.” End quote.

Balyah also urged leaders to counter misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric that could fuel tensions.

He said, and I quote, “We should avoid misinformation and inflammatory narratives that lead to emotional responses… We should be proactive and always act promptly not to allow some elements in our societies to incite xenophobia and hatred against each other.” End quote.

The Uganda–South Sudan Joint Border Meeting brought together government officials from both countries to strengthen cross-border cooperation, security and peaceful relations between communities living along the common frontier.