Memorandum of Understanding on the Demarcation of the Borders between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan: A Crucial Step Towards Peace and Regional Cooperation
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of the Joint Technical Commission on Borders between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, on 30 October 2024, paves the way for a significant step forward in relations between these two neighbouring countries. The demarcation of the 787 km-long common border is of paramount importance in ensuring security, stability and regional cooperation in the Great Lakes region.
The Congolese Deputy Prime Minister of the Interior and Security, Jacquemain Shabani, stressed the importance of this Memorandum of Understanding as an essential legal basis for the Joint Technical Commission to operate efficiently and methodically. The demarcation of the borders is a crucial issue in order to put an end to any territorial ambiguity and consolidate the ties of cooperation between the two countries.
Diplomacy between the DRC and South Sudan played a key role in the conclusion of this historic agreement. The discussions between experts from both countries during the 1st session of the Joint Technical Commission resulted in the definition of the modalities for marking and demarcating the shared border. This approach demonstrates the commitment of the authorities of both countries to peacefully resolve border issues and promote peace and bilateral cooperation.
Cooperation between the DRC and South Sudan has a strategic dimension for the stability of the Great Lakes region and Central Africa. The demarcation of the common border will help to strengthen mutual trust and prevent tensions that may arise from territorial disputes. This agreement is also part of the African Union’s efforts to resolve border disputes between member countries and promote regional integration.
President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Salva Kiir of South Sudan expressed their full support for this border demarcation process, stressing its importance for the consolidation of peace and stability in the region. The commitments made by both countries to respect the deadline set by the African Union for border demarcation in 2027 demonstrate their shared desire to achieve a lasting solution to this critical issue.
In conclusion, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on border demarcation between the DRC and South Sudan marks a crucial step towards the stabilization of the Great Lakes regionThis step forward towards the peaceful resolution of border issues and the promotion of regional cooperation demonstrates the political maturity of the two countries and opens up new prospects for peace and prosperity for their peoples.