Building peace and trade across borders
A Ugandan academic and Southern Sudanese government representative discuss how to improve trade across their border, June 2009
A boom in trade along Southern Sudan and Uganda’s borders is helping recovery after decades of war. Yet its potential to build peace between local communities remains unexploited.
On June 30, 2009 over 45 government officials, academics, lawyers and civil society activists took part in our Kampala conference to explore the links between increased trade and conflict.
Key issues discussed
Participants agreed certain aspects of cross-border trade need careful treatment to make sure growth strengthens peace rather than strains it. These include:
1. Customs and immigration processes between Southern Sudan and Uganda are often complicated and corrupt. Both governments should work together to make procedures simple, clear and consistent. Tax is collected multiple times officially and illegally in Southern Sudan: its government should cut the number of revenue collection agencies (currently seven) to stop exploitation and to recoup lost state revenue.
2. Crime is a problem. Robberies and attacks on traders heighten insecurity and deter increased trade. Both governments should improve law enforcement. Controlled trading routes could help.
3. More cross-border trade means more contact between communities. This can have positive and negative effects. Links between border communities could be strengthened through joint initiatives, such as agricultural projects. Common trading associations could help improve relationships and community representation.
4. Traders and farmers need more information on prices, transport routes and customs procedures to help them make informed decisions. Market information should be circulated via radio, word of mouth and at border stops.
5. ‘Unfair trading’ creates tensions. Some traders sell bad quality goods, causing resentment and mistrust. Different prices for ‘foreigners’ lead to perceptions of prejudice. Local government and civil society should work to improve consumer protection standards.
NEW! Views and recommendations from this conference are incorporated into a cross-border trade and peacebuilding report, published 28 September 2009.
