South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir orders resolution of border tensions between Warrap and Bahr Ghazal

President of the Republic of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, has directed the authorities of Warrap and Western Bahr el Ghazal states to intensify joint efforts to resolve tensions between communities along the border of the two states.

The South Sudanese President issued the directive following a briefing on ongoing peace and conflict-resolution initiatives involving Gogrial East County in Warrap State and Jur River County in Western Bahr el Ghazal State.

The briefing was presented by Warrap State Governor Bol Wek Agoth and Western Bahr el Ghazal State Governor Sheriff Daniel Sheriff, who outlined the security situation and measures being undertaken by the two state governments and security authorities to contain tensions in the affected areas.

The dispute is centered on an area known as Manyang, which is claimed by communities from both Gogrial East and Jur River.

Governor Bol Wek said coordinated interventions by the two states had contributed to reducing tensions while emphasizing the need for sustained cooperation to address the underlying issues and secure a durable resolution.

Several people have been killed in the ongoing series of attacks between the Apuk Community of Warrap State’s Gogrial East County and the Marial Wau Community in Western Bahr el Ghazal State’s Jur River County.

In efforts to contain the situation, the two state governments are seeking support to convene an inclusive peace and reconciliation conference, bringing together community leaders, traditional authorities, elders, intellectuals, women, youth, and other relevant stakeholders from both sides.

The proposed dialogue is intended to address the immediate security concerns while creating space for the communities to resolve longstanding grievances and strengthen peaceful coexistence.

Governor Wek underscored the longstanding social, economic, and historical ties between the communities, noting that these shared connections provide a strong foundation for reconciliation and peaceful settlement of the dispute.

The two governors also called on media organizations and social media users to contribute positively to the peace process by promoting responsible communication and messages that encourage dialogue, restraint, and unity, rather than inflaming tensions between communities.

President Salva Kiir’s directive reinforces the role of the state authorities in working collectively with communities and national institutions to prevent further escalation and advance a locally owned peace process.

The initiative comes as South Sudan prepares for the 2026 general elections, further underscoring the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and community cooperation across the country to support a peaceful and credible electoral process.

South Sudan Polls December 22, 2026

Meanwhile President Salva Kiir Mayardit has urged the National Elections Commission (NEC) to step up preparations for South Sudan’s December 22 general elections, stressing the need for a credible, free and fair electoral process.

President Kiir made the call on Friday after receiving a report from NEC Chairperson Prof. Abednego Akok Kachuol on the commission’s activities and assessment missions conducted across the country’s ten states and three administrative areas.

Prof. Akok said voter registration is expected to begin soon, ahead of the December 22 polls, and called on all eligible South Sudanese to register and take part in the electoral process.

The Head of the electoral agency said the voter registration will mark a critical step toward the long-awaited elections, with the exercise expected to provide citizens with the opportunity to secure their participation in determining the country’s political future.

The President challenged the electoral body to ensure that all necessary preparations are in place to conduct elections that meet the expectations of the people of South Sudan.

Officials say that with the polls approaching, attention is now turning to the NEC’s readiness, voter participation, and the ability of the electoral process to inspire public confidence.