At least six people have been killed following armed clashes between South Sudanese and Ugandan troops near their disputed border, reviving tensions between two long-standing allies. The confrontation occurred on Monday in Kajo Keji County, South Sudan, an area frequently troubled by competing territorial claims.
According to South Sudanese officials, the firefight led to the deaths of five South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldiers, while one Ugandan soldier was also reported killed. The incident marks one of the most serious escalations in recent months along the poorly demarcated border.
Ugandan army spokesperson Felix Kulayigye claimed that the clash began after South Sudanese soldiers crossed into Uganda’s West Nile region and refused to withdraw, prompting a military response. Meanwhile, authorities in Kajo Keji accused Ugandan troops of launching a surprise attack, allegedly supported by tanks and artillery.
While the SSPDF confirmed the skirmish, it did not immediately disclose casualty figures. In a statement on Tuesday night, SSPDF spokesperson Lul Ruai Koang said the joint South Sudan-Uganda border committee would work to resolve the matter peacefully and prevent further escalation.
The two nations have long enjoyed close ties, with Uganda playing a key role in supporting President Salva Kiir’s government during South Sudan’s struggle for independence and later in its civil war. However, the unresolved border demarcation continues to strain relations, occasionally flaring into small-scale but deadly confrontations.
In a related development earlier this year, South Sudan invited Ugandan forces into its capital, Juba, to reinforce security amid a fresh rift between President Kiir and his rival, First Vice President Riek Machar.
Melissa Enoch
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