SSDF militia says USA planning to set up military base in S. Sudan

Feb 26, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — The Southern Sudan Defence Force (SSDF) has warned the government of Southern Sudan of dire consequences, if it agrees to a plan by the USA to set up a military base in the region to protect the oil fields.

The official spokesman for the SSDF, Brig Mohamed chol al-Ahmar, told the pro-ruling party Sudanese Media Centre (SMC) that the US plan to establish a military base in the region is the first step by the US Administration towards taking over the oil resources in the south.

He pointed out that the protocols in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed on 9 January 2005 had resolved the issue.

Al-Ahmar said if the government of Southern Sudan agrees to establish a US military base in the region, then it will be the biggest violation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

Al-Ahmar said “the agreement did not contain anything to the effect that a foreign military base should be established in the country to protect the oil fields.” The US had recently declared its keenness to establish a military base in the south.

(ST)