Sudan condemned South Sudan for seeking an investigation into alleged war crimes, labeling the claims as unjustified. The dispute intensified following accusations made by South Sudan concerning the Sudanese military’s actions against civilians. Sudan pointed out that violence had occurred against its citizens in South Sudan, affirming its commitment to protecting its rights and those of its citizens.
On January 23, 2025, Sudan vocally condemned South Sudan’s request for a U.N. and African Union investigation into alleged war crimes. Sudan considered this demand as a significant provocation that could escalate already strained relations between the two nations. The accusation was made by South Sudan’s Foreign Minister, who claimed that the Sudanese military was responsible for acts of terrorism against South Sudanese civilians.
Sudan’s government quickly rebutted these accusations, labeling them as baseless and highlighting the establishment of its own investigative committee regarding recent events in Al Jazeera, following the Sudanese army’s takeover of Madani on January 11. The Sudanese Foreign Ministry expressed that they had displayed remarkable patience amidst these accusations, particularly since South Sudanese mercenaries purportedly allied with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were alleged to participate in hostile actions against Sudan.
In a detailed statement, Sudan accused Juba’s government of failing to control the recruitment and deployment of mercenaries. Furthermore, it claimed that South Sudan facilitated the RSF through actions such as providing medical treatment to wounded forces in its hospitals. Sudan also pointed out violence directed at its citizens in South Sudan, asserting that these incidents were incited by South Sudanese officials.
The fallout from these tensions has reportedly led to violence against Sudanese individuals within South Sudan, with accounts indicating that sixteen Sudanese citizens were killed, including a medical professional. In response, the Sudanese government vowed to take appropriate action in international and regional fora to address what it termed Juba’s violations, while emphasizing the protection of its citizens’ rights.
The ongoing accusations reflect a troubling deterioration in relations between Sudan and South Sudan, which have been fragile since South Sudan’s independence in 2011. Compounding this fragile relationship is the ongoing conflict in Sudan that began in April 2023, adding further complexity to their diplomatic ties.
The strained relationship between Sudan and South Sudan is deeply rooted in historical conflicts, particularly after South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 following a prolonged civil war. Diplomatic interactions have been fraught with accusations and tensions, particularly concerning border disputes and allegations of support for armed groups. The current situation has further deteriorated due to the internal conflict in Sudan, which has exacerbated underlying tensions between the two nations.
In summary, Sudan’s vehement rejection of South Sudan’s call for an investigation into alleged war crimes marks a significant escalation in their already fraught relations. The accusations made by both parties underscore a troubling pattern of mutual distrust and conflict. The possibility of retaliatory measures from Sudan raises concerns about regional stability and the protections afforded to citizens of both nations amidst ongoing violence and unrest.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
