S. Sudan denies deployment of Ugandan troops near Sudan border

February 27, 2015 (JUBA) – The South Sudanese government has denied reports that up to 16,000 additional troops from Uganda have been deployed to border areas with Sudan

Foreign affairs spokesperson Mawien Makol told Sudan Tribune on Friday that the government had not received any additional troops and that the already available troops from Uganda were not intended to be deployed anywhere near border areas with Sudan, explaining that the initial deployment was to protect vital infrastructure in Juba and Bor.

“The report quoting unauthorised Sudanese officials about the deployment of the additional Ugandan troops is incorrect,” he said.

“The Ugandan troops are only in two places; they are in Juba and Bor,” he added.

Political analysts and media outlets have repeatedly quoted foreign diplomats and leading opposition figures as saying that the ongoing presence of Ugandan troops fighting alongside government troops in the country is undermining peace negotiations between the countries warring parties.

In the latest round of talks underway in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, delegates representing the rival parties are yet to finalise a deal authorising the withdrawal of foreign forces.

Deputy foreign affairs minister Peter Bashir Gbandi told Sudan Tribune on Wednesday that the parties had made significant progress through thematic committees but had yet to reach a final agreement.

(ST)