South Sudan condemns Sudanese General’s allegations on military involvement

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation refuted the claims, labeling them as “an absolute exaggeration.”

By Emmanuel Mandella and Agencies

South Sudan has condemned statements made by General Yasser Al-Atta, Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). General Al-Atta alleged that 65% of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are South Sudanese nationals, a claim that has attracted widespread condemnation and diplomatic tension from other mentioned neighboring countries.

Addressing troops on January 20, 2025, General Al-Atta asserted:

“We have been in contact with South Sudanese officials over the past two years regarding the involvement of South Sudanese opposition figures fighting alongside the RSF.” He specifically mentioned Stephen Buoy as an example and expressed disappointment with South Sudan’s purported inaction on the matter.

However, in a press conference held in Juba on March 24, Ambassador Apuk Ayuel Mayen, spokesperson for South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, refuted these claims, labeling them as “an absolute exaggeration.”

She emphasized that many of the militia groups cited by General Al-Atta have historically been aligned with the Sudanese army. “We wonder why General Atta failed to mention them,” Ambassador Mayen remarked, highlighting the complexities of the region’s militia affiliations.

The South Sudanese government expressed deep concern that such rhetoric could incite violence against its citizens residing in Sudan. This apprehension follows reports of atrocities committed against South Sudanese nationals in Al Jazira State, where civilians were allegedly executed publicly, prompting international condemnation.

Ambassador Mayen reiterated South Sudan’s commitment to regional peace and stability, underscoring the nation’s neutrality amid Sudan’s internal conflicts. She highlighted South Sudan’s ongoing efforts to support Sudanese refugees, with over one million individuals currently hosted within its borders.

South Sudan has called upon regional and international partners, including the African Union and the United Nations, to take note of these developments and engage with Sudanese authorities to prevent further escalation that could jeopardize regional peace and security.

The ambassador affirmed that South Sudanese government remains vigilant and prepared to defend its sovereignty and the safety of its citizens, while continuing to advocate for diplomatic solutions to maintain peace in the region.

Chad’s response

Meanwhile, Chad has condemned a senior Sudanese general’s threat to target its airports, calling it a “declaration of war.”

Its foreign ministry said it would respond according to international law if a “square metre of Chadian territory is threatened”.

The warning follows comments from Lt-Gen Yasir al-Atta, the deputy commander of Sudan’s army, who said the UAE was using Chad’s airports to deliver weapons to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The Sudanese army has repeatedly accused the UAE of supporting its rival, the RSF, throughout the brutal two-year civil war, which has created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.

Speaking at a ceremony for an army officer killed in a drone attack by the RSF on Friday while the army was recapturing the presidential palace, he said airports in Chad’s capital N’Djamena and the eastern city Amdjarass were “legitimate targets”.

Lt-Gen Atta said “retaliatory action” would be taken against the UAE, South Sudan and Chad’s President Mahamat Déby.