South Sudan and Kenya begin meetings on border issues

Governments of South Sudan and Kenya held joint meetings in Kapoeta State on Friday to discuss border issues between the two neighbouring countries.

Last month, South Sudan and Kenya signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to fast-track the territorial border reaffirmation at Ilemi triangle.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Friday, Kapoeta State information minister, Simon Carlo Loitang said high-level delegations from the two countries held meetings in Kapoeta State to enlighten local leaders on the Memorandum of Understanding.

“Citizens are saying that the government has sold their land to Kenya. The committee has come to enlighten local leaders and then committees from both sides will explain the MoU to the citizens,” said Loitang. 

The state minister noted that there are several disputed areas and some of them are currently occupied by Kenyan forces.

Loitang said South Sudan government has all documents proving ownership of those areas, adding that the case would be referred to an international tribunal if both parties fail to demarcate the common border.

The Toposa communities of South Sudan's Kapoeta State and the Turkana in neighboring Kenya have been involved in a protracted conflict caused by cattle raids and disputes over water sources.