Lack of funds is causing delays in demarcation of the common border between South Sudan and Kenya, a South Sudanese official said.
In June, South Sudan and Kenya signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to fast-track the territorial border reaffirmation at Ilemi triangle.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Kapeota State Information minister, Simon Karlo Lopanyang said they are facing a cash shortfall which will delay border demarcation, which was supposed to start this month.
The government official disclosed that the border demarcation has been postponed until further notice. “What made us not to succeed is that the members of the international community that support us said we must implement the peace deal, if not, they won’t help,” he said.
The official pointed out that the joint border committee has not yet finished sensitization of the local communities in both countries. “Currently awareness among communities along the borders has not yet finished. It means demarcation will not be possible now,” he said.
The state minister revealed that the bordering communities are living in peace and harmony. Karlo further said the joint border committee, which comprises of 15 members from both countries, embarked on massive awareness creation in the border areas this week.
“As the joint border committee, we are carrying out awareness among people in border areas. We went to Lokichogio on November 22, attended meetings with communities in Nanam, Lopiding and Lokichogio in Kenya,” he explained.
Karlo said the committee identified eight locations from the two countries.