South Sudan summons Sudanese envoy over general’s “hostile” remarks
March 24, 2025 (JUBA) – South Sudan summoned Sudan’s ambassador on Monday to protest against “hostile statements” made by a top Sudanese general, the foreign ministry said, further escalating tensions between the two neighbours.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said it had called in Ambassador Isam Mohamed Karrar to express “strong concerns” over remarks made by General Yasir al-Atta of the Sudanese Armed Forces.
“During a meeting, the Honourable Undersecretary, Ambassador Agnes Adlino Orifa Oswaha, emphasized that such remarks undermine the sovereignty and are unacceptable, contradicting the spirit of diplomatic relations,” the ministry said in a statement.
The statement did not specify which remarks prompted the summons, but they follow accusations. On Sunday March 23, al-Atta accused unnamed regional powers were supporting RSF.
On Sunday, al-Atta warned that his army take retaliatory actions against the UAE, Chad and the “corrupt centres of influence” in South Sudan.
Sudan had ignored requests to stop recruitment campaigns of fighters to join RSF ranks, Also, it authorised the construction of a field hospital near the border in what was seen as a republication of
South Sudan urged Sudan to “clarify its position and prevent further rhetoric that could harm their longstanding relationship,” the ministry added.
The Sudanese ambassador acknowledged the protest and said he would forward it to Khartoum and provide a formal response, the statement said. There was no immediate comment from Sudan’s foreign ministry.
The ministry reiterated South Sudan’s commitment to constructive dialogue. The statement added that South Sudan is “prepared to respond to any actions that threaten South Sudan’s interests and sovereignty.”
Al-Atta, speaking on Sunday March 23, had accused UAE and Chad of supporting RSF. He also underscored that ” the corrupt centres of influence in South Sudan,” are also backing the paramilitary group.
“We will take retaliatory action against the UAE, the corrupt centres of influence in South Sudan, and we will take retaliatory action against Mohamed Kaka, the President of Chad,” al-Atta said. “And we warn him that the airports of N’Djamena and Amdjarass are legitimate targets for the Sudanese Armed Forces.”
Chad’s foreign ministry issued a statement in response to al-Atta’s, though details of that response were not immediately available.
Relations between Sudan and South Sudan have been strained since the South gained independence in 2011, with disputes lingering over border demarcation and oil revenues. The current civil war in Sudan has further complicated the relationship, raising concerns about regional stability.