Parliament Demands Action on Border Disputes

By Jenifer James

The Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) on Wednesday heard a motion calling for urgent action to resolve South Sudan’s contested international and internal borders, with lawmakers being encouraged to enshrine territorial definitions in the permanent constitution.

Dr. Ghada James presented the motion concerning the territory and boundaries of the Republic of South Sudan with its neighbouring countries. She informed the House that the sovereignty and stability of South Sudan remain at risk without clearly defined borders.

“Clear and secure borders are essential for the stability and development of our nation,” Dr. James stated. “By affirming our territorial integrity and working towards well-defined and secure borders, we can enhance regional cooperation, prevent conflict, and focus on the socio-economic development of our great nation.”

South Sudan is currently facing disputes with neighbouring countries, including Sudan over Abyei, Kenya over the Ilemi Triangle, and Ethiopia and Uganda along parts of their shared frontiers.

Referencing Article 1 of the Transitional Constitution, Dr. Ghada reminded legislators that South Sudan’s territory was defined as of January 1, 1956, when the three southern provinces of Equatoria, Upper Nile, and Bahr el Ghazal were part of Sudan.

“Defining South Sudan’s boundaries must be based on the international borders of Sudan as they stood on January 1, 1956,” she stressed. “This is the legal basis for our sovereignty.”

The motion aims to affirm the sovereignty and territorial integrity of South Sudan, expedite the demarcation and marking of borders with neighbouring countries, produce a legitimate map of the country for use at all levels of government, and correct the estimated size of South Sudan, currently 644,000 square kilometres.

Dr. Ghada also recommended that the ‘Committee on Foreign Affairs’ and the ‘Committee on National Security and Land’ oversee the implementation of the motion and report back to the House within two weeks.

She argued that South Sudan should follow the example of neighbouring countries such as Uganda and Kenya, which have incorporated detailed border descriptions into their constitutions.

“We cannot continue without a constitutional provision to defend our territory. Since independence in 2011, this matter has remained unresolved,” she said. “My intention is simple: the protection of our territorial integrity. There is nothing hidden behind this motion.”

Meanwhile, Tereza Chol, a Member of Parliament from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO), voiced her support for the motion addressing the country’s border issues.

Chol stated that the matter of borders is of critical national concern and requires urgent attention.

“You have touched on a very critical issue regarding the borders. I second the motion, which has been well articulated,” Chol said while addressing her fellow lawmakers.

She emphasised that border disputes have significantly impacted South Sudan’s relations with neighbouring countries.

“Concerning the border, it has affected many areas. If you look at the border between South Sudan and Uganda, you can see the challenges we face,” she noted.

Chol urged her colleagues to support the motion so that the government can take steps to resolve the disputes.

“I have already seconded the motion, and the issue is very important—extremely important,” she emphasised.