President Kiir Urges Warrap and Western Bahr el Ghazal Leaders to Accelerate Border Peace Efforts

South Sudan’s head of state, President Salva Kiir Mayardit, has issued a clear directive to the governors of Warrap and Western Bahr el Ghazal, urging them to step up collaborative measures aimed at defusing a simmering border dispute that threatens stability in the two states.

Background to the conflict

The flashpoint lies in the Manyang area, a tract of land claimed by communities from Gogrial East County in Warrap and Jur River County in Western Bahr el Ghazal. Historically, the region has been a conduit for trade, inter‑marriage and seasonal grazing, but competing claims over land use and resource allocation have reignited tensions in recent months.

Presidential briefing and the governors’ response

President Kiir’s instruction followed a detailed briefing delivered by Governor Bol Wek Agoth of Warrap and Governor Sheriff Daniel Sheriff of Western Bahr el Ghazal. Both officials outlined the security posture adopted by their respective state police and local militia groups, noting a modest decline in violent incidents after joint patrols were introduced.

Governor Bol Wek highlighted that coordinated interventions – ranging from joint security patrols to community liaison teams – have begun to lower the immediate risk of clashes. However, he warned that without a sustained, inclusive dialogue the underlying grievances could flare again, especially as the country approaches the 2026 general elections.

Call for an inclusive peace and reconciliation conference

To move beyond short‑term security gains, the two governors are seeking assistance from the national government to convene a broad‑based peace and reconciliation conference. The proposed gathering would bring together traditional chiefs, elders, women’s groups, youth representatives, local intellectuals and other stakeholders from both sides of the border.

According to the governors, the agenda will address three core objectives: (1) immediate de‑escalation of hostilities, (2) a structured process for resolving land‑ownership disputes, and (3) the establishment of a joint development committee to oversee shared resources such as water points and grazing fields.

Why the dispute matters now

South Sudan is on the cusp of its first post‑conflict general elections scheduled for 2026. International observers and domestic actors alike stress that any resurgence of localized violence could undermine voter confidence and jeopardise the fragile peace that has held since the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement.

Moreover, the Manyang dispute exemplifies a broader pattern of inter‑communal friction that has plagued the nation since independence in 2011. By tackling the issue through a locally owned, participatory process, the government hopes to set a precedent for resolving similar disputes in other border regions.

Media’s role in peacebuilding

Both governors appealed to journalists and social‑media users to exercise restraint and promote messages that encourage dialogue rather than inflame tensions. They emphasized that responsible reporting can help create an environment where community leaders feel safe to engage in constructive negotiations.

Looking ahead

President Kiir’s mandate reinforces the principle that state authorities must work hand‑in‑hand with local communities and national institutions to prevent escalation. As the planned reconciliation conference takes shape, its success will hinge on the willingness of all parties to prioritize long‑term coexistence over short‑term gains.

With elections on the horizon, the outcome of the Manyang negotiations could serve as a barometer for South Sudan’s broader peace trajectory, offering a glimpse of whether the nation can translate fragile stability into lasting, inclusive governance.