South Sudan's Machar calls on youth to join the army and defend the nation - Sudan Tribune

April 19, 2012 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s Vice President, Riek Machar, has urged the youth in the ten states of South Sudan to join the army amidst signs of further escalating border conflict between Sudan and South Sudan.

Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, Vice President of South Sudan (AFP)

Deadliest clashes since South Sudan became independent in July last year sparked on Tuesday last week in the disputed oil-rich Heglig, with both sides accusing the other of starting the fighting and claiming the ownership of the area.

On Sunday the fighting spread to another front in Kuek area of Upper Nile state, east of Heglig where the South Sudan army reported repulsing an attack by the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF). On Wednesday it also reported another attack on its forces in Northern Bahr al Ghazal state, west of Heglig.

Machar on Wednesday visited Raja County in Western Bahr el Ghazal state at the border with Southern Darfur where he visited a number of villages at the extreme border area, assuring them of protection by the South Sudan army.

He said Khartoum has imposed war on South Sudan and refused to negotiate on the issues of border demarcation in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

While the two countries agreed in principle on the 80% of the 2,000km long borderline, they have not agreed on the remaining 20%.

Heglig which was a contested area between Abyei region in Southern Kordofan and Pariang County in Unity state but was found to be falling outside of Abyei region by the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in 2009.

On Monday and Tuesday he further toured a number of sites in Warrap, Unity and Lakes state, urging the youth to stop inter-communal cattle raiding and join the army to defend the country from the invading SAF forces.

During his visits he also called on communities in the states to reconcile their differences and prepare for the peace and reconciliation conference rescheduled to take place by the end of April.

Machar is currently in Rumbek, Lakes state capital, and expected to tour a number of locations in the state on Thursday.

(ST)