JUBA, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan said on Tuesday that ongoing border demarcation talks with some of its neighbors will improve security and enhance cordial relations.
Despite financial constraints, ongoing discussions with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) officials on demarcation of their porous border will help improve security and trade, foreign ministry spokesman Mawien Makol said.
The discusses are still ongoing, Makol said in Juba. "We need to put concrete borders to avoid conflicts."
According to the United Nations, the DRC hosts over 80,775 South Sudanese refugees.
South Sudan also hopes to finalize demarcation of its longest borderline with its northern neighbor, Sudan.
Security analyst Jacob Chol warned of the spillover effect of the South Sudan war on neighboring countries.
"The entire East and Horn of Africa region should be wary of the spillover effect of the South Sudan conflict," Chol said. "Already, refugees are flocking into these countries and cross-border movement of illicit arms is at an all-time high."
South Sudan descended into violence in December 2013 after political dispute between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar led to fighting that pitted mostly Dinka ethnic soldiers loyal to Kiir against Machar's Nuer ethnic group.
A 2015 peace agreement to end the violence collapsed in July 2016, when the rival factions resumed fighting in the capital, forcing the rebel leader, Machar, into exile.
The conflict has killed tens of thousands and forced millions of others to seek refuge in neighbouring countries.
