Sudan warns Kampala and Juba against continuing to support rebels
March 12, 2012 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese presidential adviser Mustafa Osman Ismail warned that his country is running out of patience with South Sudan and Uganda over their alleged support to rebel groups fighting Khartoum in different parts of the country.
Khartoum has persistently accused the newly established state of South Sudan of backing the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement North (SPLM-N) and several Darfur rebel groups that joined last year to form the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF).
Sudanese officials also claim that Uganda is hosting a number of senior Darfur rebel groups.
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has been battling multiple insurgencies in South Kordofan and Blue Nile since last year. All attempts by African Union mediators to broker a ceasefire have failed.
United Nations officials say that more than 410,000 people have been displaced by the fighting. They also warned that famine may be forthcoming unless Khartoum allows aid groups in the two states.
Sudan has rejected any plans for an aid corridor without involvement by its government organisations, saying that supplies could go to SPLM-N rebels.
Ismail said that South Sudan is using its new status as an independent state as well as its oil wealth to wage war against Sudan.
“Those at top in the state of South [Sudan] want to destabilise Sudan” Ismail was quoted as saying by state media.
He stressed that Khartoum will not stand idle while Kampala and Juba continues backing rebels. The presidential adviser said last month that all options are on the table including military ones in response to South Sudan’s “aggression”.
(ST)