Acholi community leaders from South Sudan and Uganda have agreed to promote peaceful coexistence and collaboration along their border. Key agreements include resolving tensions, improving security cooperation, and enhancing infrastructure to facilitate trade and movement. They plan to reconvene in February to build on these discussions.
Leaders of the Acholi communities from Eastern Equatoria State in South Sudan and Lamwo District in Uganda convened on Friday to affirm their commitment to peaceful coexistence and collaborative efforts for security along their shared border. David Otim Okot, Chairperson of the Acholi Community in South Sudan, reported to Radio Tamazuj that the leaders resolved to address border issues through local mechanisms, aiming to foster trade and facilitate the movement of individuals across the border.
Otim conveyed that tensions had previously arisen between the two Acholi communities, emphasizing the importance of harmonizing conflicts to restore unity. He remarked that colonial boundaries had artificially divided them, creating a sense of solidarity that should transcend these divisions. In a recent meeting held in Palabek Town, Uganda, the leaders addressed communication misunderstandings, established a cooperative framework for security forces, and agreed to work collaboratively to address criminal activities affecting the region.
In addition, Otim stressed the necessity for the respective governments to expedite border verification and demarcation processes to minimize future tensions caused by ambiguous border lines. Furthermore, he highlighted the urgent need for the South Sudanese government to improve the dilapidated infrastructure in Magwi County, including fixing impassable roads and rebuilding four broken bridges.
The leaders also decided to reconvene in February as part of ongoing confidence-building efforts to ensure continued dialogue on remaining issues. This meeting included local chiefs, parliamentarians, and notable elders from both nations, and was attended by Uganda’s Presidential Advisor on Military Affairs, General Salim Saleh.
The Acholi communities straddle the border between South Sudan and Uganda, with their cultural and social ties historically disrupted by arbitrary colonial borders. Recent tensions and skirmishes in border areas have necessitated dialogues aimed at fostering cooperation and peace. Local leaders have recognized the importance of collaborative governance and infrastructure improvement in facilitating peaceful coexistence and economic interaction between these two communities. The current discussions aim to create a framework for resolving conflicts and enhancing security through cooperative efforts between the two nations.
In summary, the Acholi community leaders from South Sudan and Uganda have openly committed to resolving tensions and enhancing cooperation along their shared border. Their recent meeting led to crucial agreements on security collaboration, infrastructure needs, and the establishment of ongoing communication channels aimed at fostering mutual understanding and preventing future conflicts. The next meeting scheduled for February will serve to further solidify these commitments and ensure progress on agreed-upon initiatives.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
