South Sudan backs UPDF intervention

KAMPALA: Talks to cessation of hostilities in South Sudan yesterday flopped again as President Salva Kiir’ government defended UPDF’ involvemnet saying Uganda [as a big brother] has an obligation to maintain peace in the region.

The South Sudanese ambassador, Samuel Lominsuk, said Uganda’ national army was not officially invited but like US, Britain and Kenya which reined in forces to evacuate and protect its citizens, did so on humanitarian grounds.

“Why is everyone focusing their attention on UPDF? Did the world want the situation to turn into complete genocide (as we saw in Rwanda while everyone was looking on) for any intervention?” he noted, “In Africa what happens in one man’ house must be a concern for all the neighbouring homes.”

His defence came on the heels of mounting heckling from several Members of Parliament and Civil Society Organisations questioning UPDF’ role in the three week’ conflict which according to UN. agencies has claimed over 1,000 lives and displaced over 200,000 people.

Amb. Lominsuk, added “We have a military agreement signed by my government, DRC and Uganda to flash out rebel activities-of Joseph Kony, which prompted UPDF to intervene and defend its country’ boarders.”

“Even though not fully operationalised, Uganda’ intervention was also justified under the Inter Government Authority of Development (IGAD). So I think the condemnations are just nonsense.”

The Parliamentary Defence Committee summoned Defence Minister Crispus Kiyonga expected to appear today to explain Uganda’s military presence in South Sudan without approval.

Internal Affairs minister, Gen Aronda Nyakayirima is also expected to appear separately to give status report about the increasing number of refeugges, which the UNHCR has put at more than 23,546.

Ms Rosemary Namayanja, the Information minister said “UPDF’ deployment is only at the airport and key government strategic installations and they are not involved in war.”

Peace talks fail

The ongoing peace talks in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, stiffened further, with Dr. Riek Machar’ rebel group demanding for an immediate release of all former cabinet ministers [and other detainees] arrested in the aftermath of the December 15 Coup’-which kick started the bloodletting.

But Amb. Lominsuk, addressing journalists, described Dr. Machar as “man with a history of violence” who has murdered several of his countrymen (for his failed political ambitions) but at this rate cannot be tolerated.

 “There will be no preconditions at all agreed for a ceasefire,” he remarked, “President Kiir’ government has the mandate of the people to protect them and ensure peace and order—at all costs.

He said, three of the 12 ministers were released but, “the remaining 9 were already wanted and have corruption cases to answer. They will go through due legal processes as done in any democratic institution and if found innocent will be released.”

The rebel’ negotiating team had also appealed to Uganda to withdraw its army saying there meddling will worsen the situation.

In summary

The ambassador said the States of Unity and Jonglei, are still under control of rebel forces, which comprise of over 45,000 Child Soldiers which SPLA forces fear to harm if it launched an offensive to reclaim them.