S. Sudan demands foreign intervention to resolve dispute with Khartoum

September 11, 2014 (JUBA) – South Sudan had demanded the intervention of the African Union, United Nations and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for it to resolve its current dispute with neighbouring Sudan.

Information minister Michael Makuei Lueth (R) speaks at edia forum as presidential press secretary Ateny Wek Ateny looks on in Juba on 7 September 2014 (ST)

This came after the Sudanese government delegation reportedly failed to participate in a presentation, by experts, on disputed areas.

“The Sudanese government did not send delegation to participate at the presentation of experts. Our delegation went and they stayed there [Addis Ababa] until they returned on the 9 [September],” South Sudan’s information minister, Michael Makuei Lueth told the state-owned SSTV.

He said the presence of the Sudanese delegation was necessary to allow both sides complete their presentation, enabling the experts to issue a non-binding proposal on the status of disputed areas.

“Because of this, I call on the African union, the IGAD and the international community with the United Nations to put a pressure on Sudan to respond so that we move forward”, appealed the minister.

South Sudan broke away from Sudan in July 2011 taking with it nearly 75% of the oil reserves two countries previously shared. A number of unresolved post-secession issues such as the north-south border demarcation, oil, Abyei have seen a rocky relation between Juba and Khartoum.

The stronger ties, which initially existed between the two countries, were growing weak and far below the level of current relations between Juba and Kampala, analysts say.

Military officers from the two Sudans have often traded accusations over territorial disputes, sparking tensions along the undemarcated borders in recent weeks with Juba accusing Khartoum of allegedly training and hosting within its territory rebel fighters loyal to former vice-president, Riek Machar.

However, Sudanese government and military officials have dismissed Juba’s claims.

It is also noted that the government sponsored SMC website resumed publishing regular reports about Juba support to Sudanese rebel groups and statements from South Sudanese rebels hostile to Salva Kiir government.

(ST)