Talks ongoing after raids along Uganda-South Sudan border — Yumbe RDC

_______________

Fresh tensions are brewing in the northern belt of Yumbe district following an attack by a suspected armed group from neighbouring South Sudan that reportedly stole over 200 head of cattle during a series of raids this week.

This was in the sub-counties of Kei, Wandi and Keriwa, as well as the town councils of Lobe and Midigo.

According to the authorities in Yumbe, the first incident occurred on Wednesday this week when the raiders invaded areas of Kupia village in Kei sub-county and made off with over 170 animals.

The raiders then returned on Thursday, moving through Kei, Midigo and Wandi, before ending their mission in Keriwa.

In the second wave, the raiders took an unknown number of animals and allegedly abducted seven Ugandans, three of whom managed to escape and returned home, while four are still at large.

The Yumbe resident district commissioner, Hajji Sulaiman Lubwama Bukya, confirmed the developments.

He said when the security agencies received the information, Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel were immediately deployed, managing to recover at least 38 head of cattle on Wednesday.

Bukya said the operation continued on Thursday and Friday, during which an additional 67 animals were recovered.



The RDC said talks are ongoing with the leadership of South Sudan to recover the remaining animals and the reported four missing Ugandans.

Moses Abajo, the chairperson of Keriwa sub-county, condemned the raids. He urged the government to take drastic measures to increase the number of detachments along the Uganda-South Sudan border to enhance security.