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Fears South Sudan conflict could spark regional war

The Sudan Tribune reports on the difficult situation regarding ongoing conflict in South Sudan and also what measures could be taken to resolve it (see full article):

The International Crisis Group (ICG) has warned that different dimensions and interests that characterise the ongoing war in South Sudan may lead to a merged regional war in the young country.

In a report released on 29 January, it pointed to the ongoing different interests pursued by East African regional leaders, most conspicuously both Uganda and Sudan, through the conflict.

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“The regional organisations that seek to mediate have been unsuccessful, in part because members have competing interests, while outside powers do not invest sufficiently in conflict resolution,” ICG said.

“Uganda sent troops to strengthen president Kiir’s forces, but in the process angered Sudan, its regional rival. Some observers anticipated the rebels in both countries would cooperate against the two governments, given their similar grievances. Instead, those fighting against Khartoum joined with Kiir’s forces against Machar’s in order to preserve their sanctuaries in South Sudan and their claim on continued material assistance,” the group underlined.

“Within days of the outbreak of fighting in South Sudan, the wars began to merge geographically in its Unity state. As rebels from Sudan joined the fight on Juba’s side, it rapidly became a main theatre, characterised by protracted conflict over major towns and oil installations, mass atrocities and the confluence of multiple armed groups operating with their own agendas,” it said.

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Jim Brennan: