South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has returned home after attending a two-day conference in Djibouti. The summit, organized by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), convened heads of state to address regional development hurdles and the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

This gathering followed efforts by three prominent leaders appointed by the regional body last month to mediate between rival Sudanese factions. Their goal is to establish lasting peace in Sudan. Despite these diplomatic efforts, including prior initiatives by Saudi Arabia and the United States to bring conflicting parties to the negotiating table, clashes persist in Sudan since the war’s onset on April 15.

In earlier meetings, President Kiir engaged with Sudanese delegations representing both Gen. Burhan and Gen. Hemedit. These factions are central to the conflict, which has wreaked havoc on Sudan, resulting in massive displacements. The destabilization has paved the way for criminal activities, including illegal immigration and the plundering of resources, given the weakened security at Sudan’s border checkpoints.

The assembled leaders are keen on strategizing measures to restore regional security. Part of their discussions also centered on tackling environmental issues. Floods and droughts have devastated the region, especially the Horn of Africa, leading to the loss of livestock and undermining the agricultural sector. As an illustration of the strain on resources, Kenya has recently imported agricultural crops from Tanzania. In a related incident, 40 Ugandan trucks carrying maize flour were detained by the South Sudan Bureau of Standards, approximately 7 km into South Sudan. The reason cited was the potential contamination of the maize flour with aflatoxins, harmful substances not fit for consumption.

Uganda has countered this claim, asserting that the detained shipment did not pass rapid tests conducted at the Nimule border. Samples have been sent abroad for further evaluation.