Leaders from Sudan’s Toposa and Didinga communities signed a joint resolution today to strengthen peaceful co-existence and address key issues affecting East Africa’s border regions. The high-level meeting, held in Moroto, Uganda, gathered Ateker community leaders who committed to supporting disarmament efforts, employing traditional conflict-resolution methods, and forming joint committees to manage resources.
The leaders stressed that illegal firearms fuel insecurity in the region, pledging to support government-led disarmament and use alternative dispute-resolution methods to reduce conflict. They further called on the governments of Kenya and Uganda to finalize a resource-sharing agreement to ensure fair access to water, pasture, and other essential resources for communities along the borders.
Uganda Reaffirms Commitment to Peace
Opening the session, Uganda’s 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs, Rt. Hon. Dr. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, highlighted Uganda’s commitment to the peace process. Kadaga noted the near-completion of the Suam One-Stop Border Post and a 73-kilometer tarmac road from Kapchorwa to Suam, both aimed at improving trade and security along the border. She also outlined security measures to combat livestock theft and enhance firearm traceability.
“These infrastructure and security measures are part of Uganda’s ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and improve border communities’ livelihoods,” Kadaga said.
Cross-Border Agreement Expected at Summit
The meeting also celebrated recent progress on a Memorandum of Understanding between Kenya and Uganda, to be signed at an upcoming summit in Moroto. The agreement covers resource-sharing and a Transformation Agenda for Uganda’s Karamoja and Sebei regions and Kenya’s Turkana and West Pokot counties.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for East African Community, Arid and Semi-Arid Areas (ASALs) and Regional Development, Hon. Beatrice Moe Askul, highlighted Kenya’s projects supporting the peace effort. “We have constructed three peace dams in Turkana, West Pokot, and Marsabit counties, and developed water distribution systems to provide clean water,” Askul stated.
South Sudan Pushes for Economic Cooperation
Governor Louis Lobong Lojore of South Sudan’s Eastern Equatorial State emphasized the importance of cross-border trade and resource-sharing to benefit border communities. “We need to allow livestock to move freely and focus on infrastructure that fosters peace and integration,” he said.
EAC Official Calls for Coordinated Action
EAC Deputy Secretary General Hon. Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth urged communities to support infrastructure initiatives and work together to address common challenges, including climate-induced drought and the proliferation of small arms. “We must unite to address the drivers of conflict in our region,” he said.
Next Steps for Peace and Integration
Following this high-level meeting, sensitization sessions will be held in Moroto, Lokichogio (Kenya), and Narus (South Sudan) to promote the resolutions and encourage peaceful co-existence among Ateker communities. This initiative is part of the East African Community’s broader strategy to promote peace, resilience, and integration across the region.
