South Sudan border wars

by Steve Paterno
September 18, 2011 — The newly established republic of South Sudan happens to border six countries, Sudan in the North, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Central African Republic. Among the challenges the new country is facing is an attempt to properly demarcate its international territorial boundaries. This task is not going to be an easy feat for the new nation, which has to virtually build itself from the ashes of wars and conflicts.
The North-South Sudanese border with Khartoum has already been the point of contentions. In accordance with Sudan’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), the border supposed to be demarcated during the interim period. However, with the regime in Khartoum dragging its feet, the border is never demarcated. Instead, Khartoum began to wage border wars, starting in Abyei, a vocal point that is in the South, but yet claimed by Khartoum. For the regime in Khartoum, what are at stake in these borders are gateway into natural resources and appetite for hegemony as well as nostalgic dictum that it can never let go in its imaginations. Thus far, the North-South borders remain ever volatile, with potential for explosions.
It is worthy to be noted that with the exception of Ethiopia, South Sudan is the first to have its international boundaries drawn, much earlier than all of the neighboring countries, in 1956; whereas, Democratic Republic of Congo 1960, Chad 1960, Uganda 1962, and Kenya 1964, respectively.

One may expect the South Sudanese well established historical boundaries will be respected and left as it is. Ironically, it is none other than the South Sudanese traditional allies, which are the ones encroaching into the South Sudanese territories. It seems some of the South Sudanese traditional allies are trying to take full advantages of South Sudan ailments; a country that is facing multiple challenges.
For example, Uganda is already encroaching, deep into South Sudan territory. There has already been several borders flares among South Sudanese and Ugandans. One of such serious occurrence is between the Madi tribe of Madi district in Uganda, and Kuku tribe of South Sudan in Central Equatoria State. The tension has been ongoing since South Sudan became an entity in 2005. Since then, lives have been lost, people detained, properties confiscated, and hopes are dashed from both sides of the borders.
A high level meeting into resolving the dispute between Ugandan President Yuweri Museveni and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir yielded into nothing. Now, the issue is left for the local authorities and citizens to fight it out. Rumors of Ugandan ultimatum to drive South Sudanese out of the disputed area is running wild, hence, heightening the tensions. This border dispute with Uganda runs along the border into Kidepo Valley, where at stakes are wildlife and inter tribal cattle rustling. At every opportune of the dispute, the Ugandans take the advantage.
South Sudanese authorities must pay close attention into such disputes. President Yuweri Museveni of Uganda has established himself as a bully on the block. He already caused enough border incursions with the neighbors; Kenya and Democratic Republic of Congo, to mention the few. It is time that South Sudanese must warn President Museveni to stop. He cannot pretend to be a friend and at the time when South Sudan is at most need, then he takes the advantage of the miserable situation.
The South Sudanese leaders must refrain their mind sets from the prevalent belief that the only danger the country faces come from the North. Now that the country shares borders with six more other countries, South Sudanese must think of guarding and maintaining its territorial integrity, no matter what cost. That is what it means and takes to be an independent nation.
The North-South borders must be demarcated and secured. The border dispute with Uganda should be resolved. So, is the border dispute with Kenya needs to be settled. Inter tribal cattle rustling across the borders must be stopped once and for all. The issue of rebels and armed movements across the borders such as with the Lord’s Resistance Movement (LRA) must be addressed in serious manner. Otherwise, South Sudan cannot be a viable nation at its current stage, when the leadership is not paying much attention to the issues that affect the country integrity.

http://www.sudantribune.com/South-Sudan-border-wars,40178