Local authorities in Pogee, Magwi County of South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria State have reported significant encroachments allegedly by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) army.
The situation has alarmed the South Sudan residents and raised serious concerns about Juba’s silence.
Last week, officials in Pogee reported that UPDF had increasingly occupied South Sudan’s land, displacing local communities and establishing several settlements in areas including Katoko, Gotlela, Arambeel, Adodi and Paragadwanya.
UPDF had reportedly set up more than eight new barracks along the border and deployed additional patrol forces, further exacerbating the tension.
Despite the mounting outcry and the purported apparent violations of territorial integrity, the South Sudan government has reportedly remained notably silent.
The lack of response has been reportedly interpreted by some experts as an indication of the internal political and economic struggles that may be compromising the government’s ability to defend its sovereignty.
A political scientist and Principal of Graduates College at the University of Juba, Dr Abraham Kuol Nyuon, suggested that the South Sudanese government’s inaction could be a strategic move, influenced by internal complexities.
He told Radio Tamazuj that the ongoing internal conflicts, the ethnic tensions and the economic downturns have weakened the South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF), undermining their capacity to effectively counter external threats.
“The silence on this issue could be seen as a tactical decision to preserve vital trade relations and avoid provoking Uganda, which has historically been involved in South Sudanese affairs,” Dr Nyuon stated.
“The government might fear that a confrontation could drive Uganda to support opposition groups, potentially destabilising the current regime,” he continued.
Additionally, Dr Nyuon pointed out that the economic reliance on Uganda, which serves as a major trade route and partner, might be a factor in the government’s decision to downplay the encroachment.
“Uganda is a significant economic partner for South Sudan and this context could undermine the economic corporation,” he said.
The lack of a robust response to the UPDF’s actions has led to concerns about the legitimacy of the South Sudanese government and its commitment to protecting national sovereignty.
Dr Nyuon warned that the ongoing encroachment highlights the urgent need for South Sudan to reassess its military readiness and strategic posture, emphasising that underestimating the UPDF’s capabilities could pose significant risks.
For his part, SSPDF spokesperson Maj Gen Lul Ruai Koang, confirmed that the military was aware of the encroachments.
He said that the SSPDF have been actively engaging with their Ugandan counterparts to seek a peaceful resolution, but these efforts have not yet yielded results.
“The issue of encroachment has become a national issue that requires a political decision,” Gen Koang said.
He also mentioned that a high-level committee had been established by both militaries to examine the border issues.
Source: Radio Tamazuj
