JUBA, South Sudan — South Sudan denied on Friday allegations that it supports any faction in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, warning that such involvement could spark a broader regional war. The denial follows claims from the Sudanese military suggesting that South Sudanese nationals are fighting as mercenaries for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The accusations are reportedly based on the presence of South Sudanese individuals, from a specific ethnic group, within the RSF ranks. The Sudanese military insinuated that high-ranking officials in the South Sudanese government, who share ethnic and business ties with these mercenaries, are complicit in supporting the RSF.
South Sudanese officials have firmly rejected these claims. They emphasized President Salva Kiir’s commitment to mediating a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023. The conflict has pitted the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against the RSF in a battle for control over the country.
“This is not true, and clarifications have been made through appropriate diplomatic channels,” said South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ramadan Mohamed Abdallah Goch. “The government uses official mechanisms, not media, to address these unfounded allegations.”
Goch further highlighted the close ties between South Sudan and Sudan, noting ongoing efforts to mediate a humanitarian ceasefire between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) and the Sudanese military. South Sudan’s Presidential Adviser on National Security Affairs, Tut Gatluak, also condemned the allegations, describing them as “unfortunate” and contrary to South Sudan’s interests.
“Accusations against regional friends and countries making genuine peace efforts only serve to escalate tensions,” Gatluak added.
South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, remains economically linked to its northern neighbor. The country relies on Sudan to export its oil, a crucial economic lifeline. Additionally, many South Sudanese nationals still reside in Sudan, with some having returned there during periods of unrest in South Sudan.
