South Sudan denies claims on Ilemi Triangle take over

By Felix Olick

The Government of South Sudan has denied existence of a border dispute with Kenya.

 South Sudan Ambassador to Kenya Guangdong Makok dismissed as rumours claims that they have written to the African Union and the United Nations over the Ilemi Triangle.

The envoy, however, maintained that the current international border between Kenya, Ethiopia and South Sudan is yet to be demarcated.

“I can assure everything that concerns Kenya and South Sudan shall be done in a very friendly way. We think it is not an urgent issue to demarcate the border. Therefore, there is no cause for alarm,” said the envoy.

There are unconfirmed reports that Foreign Affairs Assistant Minister Richard Onyonka acknowledged that South Sudan had indeed written to the AU and UN over the matter.

However, attempts to get his comments were futile as his phone went unanswered.

Rogue elements

This new development is likely to sour relationship between Nairobi and Juba that have had a cordial relationship over the years.

Speaking at the Embassy in Nairobi on Wednesday, Majok also strongly denied that Kenyans are being targeted in South Sudan.

He termed the brutal killings of Kenyans in South Sudan as unfortunate but maintained they are only a few isolated cases.

Majok said those who were linked to the killings have been arrested and all efforts are being taken to ensure justice is delivered.

“At this juncture, its pertinent to reiterate that the unfortunate demise of expatriates at the hands of rogue elements in our society is not a Government policy. Nor does the Government of South Sudan condone unlawful killings as insinuated by the Kenyan media,” he said.

He regretted that the country is still facing challenges in institutional building and implementing the rule of law but maintained all efforts are being taken to ensure security to all.

Majok said without Kenyan support, the peace that South Sudan now enjoys would not have been feasible.

He recognized the significance of the Kenyan expertise in many sectors in Juba, adding that they have benefitted a lot from capacity building from Kenya.

The envoy ruled out the possibility of a sour relationship between the two countries.