WAU — Residents of Western Bahr el-Ghazal are calling on the South Sudanese government to declare a state of emergency in response to alleged border encroachments by foreign forces. Political analyst Joseph Lual Dario urged the National Government to take swift action to protect South Sudan’s territory from illegal occupation by neighboring countries.

Reports suggest that elements of Uganda’s People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) and Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have encroached on South Sudanese land, with the UPDF allegedly occupying parts of Eastern Equatoria State and the RSF in Raja County, Western Bahr el-Ghazal. Dario also highlighted illegal entries into South Sudan by Ugandans, Kenyans, Ethiopians, and individuals from the Central African Republic.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Thursday, Dario criticized the government’s lack of diplomatic efforts and clear strategies to defend the nation’s borders. He warned that failure to act could lead to neighboring countries taking control of South Sudanese lands.

“We are worried that these countries will take over because our leaders are not saying anything,” Dario said, stressing that the situation could escalate if not addressed immediately.

Dario called for strong actions to protect the nation’s land and resources, urging South Sudanese leadership to reject any negotiations with countries that are allegedly encroaching on South Sudan’s borders.