South Sudan and Uganda have agreed to launch a joint investigation into deadly border clashes that erupted last month, as both sides seek to de-escalate mounting tensions and determine what sparked the violence. According to the South Sudanese army, five of its security personnel and one Ugandan soldier lost their lives in skirmishes that occurred in Central Equatoria state, though conflicting accounts have left the precise toll in doubt. A Ugandan military spokesperson reported one of their soldiers was killed, with three South Sudanese troops subsequently shot dead in retaliation, while a South Sudan official put their own losses at five.
In a significant move toward resolution, Uganda’s army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba met with President Salva Kiir in Juba to call for urgent de-escalation along the shared border. Following the meeting, both countries agreed to establish a 14-member joint investigative committee, comprised equally of representatives from each army, to thoroughly probe the exact causes and circumstances of the clashes.
Although details remain murky, the consensus between the two governments is clear: the joint investigation and accompanying ceasefire signal a willingness to arrest further deterioration. The disputed border has seen intermittent flare-ups in the past as demarcation issues remain unresolved—but the deployment of this balanced committee underscores both countries’ interest in maintaining regional stability.
