Central Equatoria, Jonglei and Pibor agree to boost border security

BOR – Governor of Central Equatoria State, Emmanuel Adil Anthony, Dr. Riek Gai Kok of Jonglei State, and Chief Administrator Gola Boyoi Gola of Pibor Administrative Area have agreed to work jointly to enhance cross-border security.

The meeting chaired by Governor Anthony in Juba on Friday reaffirmed the commitment to improve peace, security, and cooperation along their shared borders.

A statement seen by Sudans Post stated that the meeting addressed ongoing insecurity, recurring inter-communal violence, and the necessity for enhanced joint mechanisms to protect communities throughout the region

“During the discussions, the leaders agreed to broaden the initiative by involving Eastern Equatoria State to ensure peaceful coexistence among the four neighbouring administrative units,” it said.

The meeting agreed to hold quarterly high-level meetings as a part of a coordinated effort to track progress and collaboratively address emerging security issues.

It further underscored the need to enhance joint security cooperation, strengthen rapid response mechanisms, and protect communities from attacks including cattle raiding, and child abductions.

“The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to work together to prevent such incidents and to facilitate the safe return of abducted children to their families.”

The leaders committed to addressing the recent attacks on cattle traders in Mogiri by deploying national security forces and constructing a permanent perimeter fence.

“Recognizing the need to tackle root causes of conflict, the three principals emphasized promoting dialogue and reconciliation among communities, empowering youth through education and economic opportunities, and fostering cross-border trade and economic cooperation.”

They also called on the national government to undertake a nationwide disarmament of civilians as a means of reducing criminality and strengthening public safety.

The leaders announced the establishment of a high-level committee that includes the governors of Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, and Jonglei States, as well as the Chief Administrator of GPAA.

Additionally, they agreed to establish a crisis management structure to be led by security advisors, law enforcement agencies, ministers of peacebuilding, police commissioners, and other relevant security sector heads.

In the meeting, the three leaders agreed to hold rotational joint conferences in the four administrative units to emphasize the importance of peaceful coexistence and to rehabilitate essential road networks to facilitate the movement of people and goods.

The meeting discussed various challenges facing the region, such as insecurity along the Juba–Bor highway, the influx of cattle into farmland, land grabbing, and the increasing number of internally displaced persons in Central Equatoria.

Governor Adil, Governor Gai, and Administrator Boyoi expressed their commitment to fully and sincerely implement the resolutions.

They urged communities to actively support the peace initiative and called on security forces to maintain vigilance, discipline, and professionalism in their duties.

The leaders also requested humanitarian organizations to assist government efforts through peacebuilding, community support, and development programs.