Sudanese delegation in Uganda for talks over South Sudan

May 7, 2012 (JUBA) — The Sudanese government on Saturday dispatched a
high level delegation to Uganda as part of efforts to seek remedies to
the ongoing tension between the former and neighboring South Sudan.

The delegation, the New Vision reported, comprises of lawmakers from
the country’s national assembly who were due to meet Rebecca Kadaga,
the speaker of Ugandan Parliament.

Ahmad Abdelrahman Mohamed, the chairperson of the Sudanese
parliamentary committee on foreign affairs reportedly heads the
delegation, which comprises several other members of the committee.

The team, sources told Sudan Tribune, were due to hold discussion with
their counterparts from the Ugandan Parliament, sharply contradicting
earlier claims by the Sudan’s foreign minister that his country was
opposed to any mediation efforts involving Uganda.

But Henry Oryem, Uganda’s deputy foreign affairs minister recently
said his government was open to all forms of negotiations that will
yield peace and stability.

UGANDA THREATENS AERIAL ATTACKS

Uganda has vowed to support South Sudan in case the war between the
latter and Sudan escalates, in what could largely spark off a
simmering diplomatic row between the two countries.

Muruli Mukasa, Uganda’s security minister was quoted saying the
Ugandan Peoples’ Defense Forces (UPDF) is ready to fend off any
attack, be it from a foreign force, using superior war planes like
those Khartoum is using against South Sudan.

Such a decision, he however said, will only be taken if the war
between Sudan and South Sudan spreads to Uganda.

Felix Kulaigye, the UPDF spokesperson also told The New Vision that
Uganda will not simply sit and watch its territory being attacked.

“We shall not provoke anyone into war, but if we are attacked, we
shall take war to whoever has provoked us. Do you think we shall sit
down and watch as planes bomb Ugandans because they have superior
weapons?” Kulayigye asked.

But Phillip Aguer, the spokesperson for South Sudan army (SPLA)
downplayed Uganda’s involvement in war between the two Sudans, saying
their participation can only be sanctioned by regional bodies like the
African Union (AU) or Inter-Governmental Authority Development (IGAD).

(ST)