Latest news with #Kiir
Daily News Egypt
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Border Clashes Erupt Between South Sudan and Uganda, Casualties Reported
Tensions flared along the border between South Sudan and Uganda as armed clashes broke out between the two countries' forces in Central Equatoria State, South Sudanese military officials confirmed Tuesday. According to the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF), troops from both nations exchanged gunfire in Kajo-Keji County, a volatile border area that has seen past security incidents. The confrontation reportedly resulted in casualties and injuries on both sides, though official figures have yet to be released. In a bid to defuse the situation, South Sudan's Chief of General Staff contacted his Ugandan counterpart to open channels for de-escalation and determine the causes behind the confrontation. Local authorities say the incident triggered widespread panic, forcing thousands of civilians to flee into nearby forests, schools, and places of worship for shelter. Cross-Border Military Tensions Uganda has maintained a military presence in parts of South Sudan, a move initially confirmed in March 2025, when Kampala deployed special forces across the border. The operation, Ugandan officials said at the time, aimed to secure trade routes and border communities. However, observers noted that the deployment could be interpreted as part of Uganda's longstanding support for South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, particularly dating back to the country's brutal civil war. The latest confrontation raises concerns about potential regional instability, particularly in border areas already strained by displacement, poor infrastructure, and sporadic militia activity. History of Fragile Peace South Sudan remains fragile following a civil war that erupted in 2013 between President Kiir and his then-deputy Riek Machar, which claimed the lives of an estimated 400,000 people. A power-sharing agreement was reached in 2018, yet tensions and localized violence have persisted. The Ugandan military was widely seen as a key external backer of Kiir's government during the conflict, providing troops and logistics support at critical moments. Call for Dialogue No official comment has yet been made by the Ugandan army regarding the clash. Analysts warn that without transparent investigation and coordinated border security mechanisms, minor incidents could quickly spiral into larger confrontations, undermining regional peace efforts. Efforts are reportedly underway between Juba and Kampala to contain the fallout, as both governments face mounting pressure to protect civilians and prevent future border skirmishes.
Al-Ahram Weekly
a day ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Clashes between Uganda, South Sudan forces killed six: Officials - Africa
Clashes between South Sudanese and Ugandan forces near the countries' shared border this week killed at least six security force members, mostly from South Sudan, officials said Wednesday. Uganda has a history of involvement in impoverished South Sudan and has long provided military support to President Salva Kiir, including a deployment of special forces since March. It was not clear what triggered the clashes on Monday between the Ugandan People's Defence Forces (UPDF) and government troops in Central Equatoria State, which were confirmed by the army, the South Sudanese People's Defence Force (SSPDF). Police in Kajo Keji county, where the clashes took place, said "two SSPDF officers, two prison officers and a police officer" were killed, according to a statement from local authorities on Wednesday. The statement quoted local army commander Henry Buri as saying the Ugandan forces "were heavily armed with tanks and artillery" and had targeted 19 "joint operation" forces. Ugandan army spokesman Felix Kulayigye told AFP they "lost one soldier during the exchange of fire". He said "elements" of South Sudan's army had entered Uganda, resulting in the confrontation. Local chief Erasto Tumiya, who witnessed the incident, told AFP it occurred after an attack by unknown assailants, with the subsequent army deployment "misunderstood by Ugandan authorities as a provocation". He said, "The Ugandan army prepared and launched a surprise attack, even bringing seven tanks." Resident Leju Champlain said the Ugandan army "started firing at the South Sudanese forces with all their ammunition, including from armoured vehicles", adding the soldiers also used rocket-propelled grenades. "Civilians went into disarray and ran randomly, and even now, some people have not found their children and are still searching," he added. 'Truly desperate' Local bishop James Lule urged the countries to work together to avoid a repeat of the situation that had left displaced people "truly desperate". "Some of them are currently camping in churches and schools within Bori Boma due to fear," he said. Uganda sent troops to support Kiir when civil war broke out in the country in 2013, just two years after it gained independence from Sudan. The civil war between Kiir and his long-time rival, Riek Machar, lasted five years and left some 400,000 dead before a power-sharing agreement was reached in 2018. Uganda again deployed special forces in March this year as Kiir moved once again against Machar, eventually placing him under house arrest. That has all but buried the power-sharing deal and triggered conflict between the army and members of a militia from Machar's ethnic Nuer community. According to local media, the Ugandan army has used chemical weapons, namely barrel bombs containing a flammable liquid that killed civilians, against Nuer militias in South Sudan's northeast. Uganda has denied the accusations. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Winnipeg Free Press
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
South Sudan's main opposition party rejects president's call for dialogue to avoid civil war
JUBA, South Sudan (AP) — South Sudan 's main opposition party on Thursday dismissed a presidential call for dialogue to avoid the country slipping back into a civil war due to stalled peace talks. Pal Mai Deng, a spokesperson for the opposition SPLM-IO, said President Salva Kiir 'must release political and military leaders of the SPLM-IO who are in detention to show his seriousness about the dialogue.' During the reopening of parliament on Wednesday, Kiir said there was a need for unity and national reconciliation, adding that the 'doors of peace remain open.' 'The suffering of our people must not be prolonged by the continued rejection of dialogue,' he said. The situation in South Sudan remains tense after Vice President Riek Machar — Kiir's former rival — was placed under house arrest following an attack on army bases in March. Several members of the SPLM-IO opposition party have gone into exile fearing arrests. South Sudan signed a peace agreement in 2018, ending a five-year civil war in which nearly 400,000 people died as forces loyal to Kiir and Machar clashed. Deng told The Associated Press that Kiir's appeal was 'paradoxical and insincere' due to the arrests of opposition officials and army attacks on opposition forces. 'Before he (Kiir) urged the parties to resume dialogue, he needed to stop military campaigns against SPLM-IO forces and indiscriminate killing of Nuer civilians he considered anti-government,' said the exiled spokesperson. The CEPO civil society group has warned that Machar's detention has made the continuation of talks impractical. 'The absence of Machar in the function of the government in day-to-day business of the government is making the government of national unity unbalanced,' Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, said. The United Nation warned last month that a 2018 peace agreement was on the verge of collapse due to escalating violence, political repression, and foreign military involvement. Yasmin Sooka, chairperson of the UN's Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, described the situation as a 'crisis' adding that the peace agreement was at the 'brink of irrelevance, threatening a total collapse.'
Los Angeles Times
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
South Sudan's main opposition party rejects president's call for dialogue to avoid civil war
JUBA, South Sudan — South Sudan 's main opposition party on Thursday dismissed a presidential call for dialogue to avoid the country slipping back into a civil war due to stalled peace talks. Pal Mai Deng, a spokesperson for the opposition SPLM-IO, said President Salva Kiir 'must release political and military leaders of the SPLM-IO who are in detention to show his seriousness about the dialogue.' During the reopening of parliament on Wednesday, Kiir said there was a need for unity and national reconciliation, adding that the 'doors of peace remain open.' 'The suffering of our people must not be prolonged by the continued rejection of dialogue,' he said. The situation in South Sudan remains tense after Vice President Riek Machar — Kiir's former rival — was placed under house arrest following an attack on army bases in March. Several members of the SPLM-IO opposition party have gone into exile fearing arrests. South Sudan signed a peace agreement in 2018, ending a five-year civil war in which nearly 400,000 people died as forces loyal to Kiir and Machar clashed. Deng told The Associated Press that Kiir's appeal was 'paradoxical and insincere' due to the arrests of opposition officials and army attacks on opposition forces. 'Before he (Kiir) urged the parties to resume dialogue, he needed to stop military campaigns against SPLM-IO forces and indiscriminate killing of Nuer civilians he considered anti-government,' said the exiled spokesperson. The CEPO civil society group has warned that Machar's detention has made the continuation of talks impractical. 'The absence of Machar in the function of the government in day-to-day business of the government is making the government of national unity unbalanced,' Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, said. The United Nation warned last month that a 2018 peace agreement was on the verge of collapse due to escalating violence, political repression, and foreign military involvement. Yasmin Sooka, chairperson of the UN's Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, described the situation as a 'crisis' adding that the peace agreement was at the 'brink of irrelevance, threatening a total collapse.' Machol writes for the Associated Press.
17-07-2025
- Politics
South Sudan's main opposition party rejects president's call for dialogue to avoid civil war
JUBA, South Sudan -- JUBA, South Sudan (AP) — South Sudan 's main opposition party on Thursday dismissed a presidential call for dialogue to avoid the country slipping back into a civil war due to stalled peace talks. Pal Mai Deng, a spokesperson for the opposition SPLM-IO, said President Salva Kiir 'must release political and military leaders of the SPLM-IO who are in detention to show his seriousness about the dialogue.' During the reopening of parliament on Wednesday, Kiir said there was a need for unity and national reconciliation, adding that the 'doors of peace remain open.' 'The suffering of our people must not be prolonged by the continued rejection of dialogue,' he said. The situation in South Sudan remains tense after Vice President Riek Machar — Kiir's former rival — was placed under house arrest following an attack on army bases in March. Several members of the SPLM-IO opposition party have gone into exile fearing arrests. South Sudan signed a peace agreement in 2018, ending a five-year civil war in which nearly 400,000 people died as forces loyal to Kiir and Machar clashed. Deng told The Associated Press that Kiir's appeal was 'paradoxical and insincere' due to the arrests of opposition officials and army attacks on opposition forces. 'Before he (Kiir) urged the parties to resume dialogue, he needed to stop military campaigns against SPLM-IO forces and indiscriminate killing of Nuer civilians he considered anti-government,' said the exiled spokesperson. The CEPO civil society group has warned that Machar's detention has made the continuation of talks impractical. 'The absence of Machar in the function of the government in day-to-day business of the government is making the government of national unity unbalanced,' Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of CEPO, said. The United Nation warned last month that a 2018 peace agreement was on the verge of collapse due to escalating violence, political repression, and foreign military involvement. Yasmin Sooka, chairperson of the UN's Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, described the situation as a 'crisis' adding that the peace agreement was at the 'brink of irrelevance, threatening a total collapse.'
