Military Spokesman Insists Uganda not Meddling in Sudan Conflict
The spokesman for Uganda’s People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) said his country is not trying to get involved in tensions between Sudan and South Sudan.
Colonel Felix Kulayigye said any intervention in the affairs of a neighboring country would be contrary to Uganda’s peacekeeping role in Somalia.
He said allegations Uganda is supporting Sudanese rebels are a ploy to deflect attention from what he calls Khartoum’s own internal contradictions.
“Our military does not have any reason to interfere in Sudan. We have been actually asking the two sides — both Sudan and South Sudan — to solve their problems amicably; that shows you we treasure peaceful co-existence,” he said.
Khartoum had accused Kampala of giving assistance to Justice and Equality Movement rebels, who have been fighting Sudan for almost a decade.
Kulayigye said it is impossible for Uganda to harbor Sudanese rebels, as alleged by Khartoum, because Uganda has no borders with north Sudan.
“We have always accommodated refugees from our neighbors in accordance with the UN Charter. However, we have no rebels here against Sudan. After all, we have no border with Sudan. So, how can we harbor anybody?” Kulayigye said.
He said Khartoum has used its accusations of foreign interference to gain domestic and international sympathy.
“The
Category: Khartoum
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