Khartoum accuses South Sudan of supporting anti-government rebels

A spokesman for the Sudanese Foreign Ministry said Sunday that his government has evidence that “proves the involvement of South Sudan government in supporting and harbouring anti-government rebels”, Anadolu news agency reported.

Yousuf Al-Kordofani said in a press statement that South Sudan continues to provide logistic and material support for rebel movements, a move that “runs counter to the spirit demanded in relations between the two states.”

He called on South Sudan’s government to “stop harbouring and supporting rebel movements immediately”, noting that “both countries must work to protect stability between them” and stressing his country’s keenness to maintain stability in South Sudan.

It was not possible to get immediate comment from South Sudan authorities, but Juba has repeatedly denied the accusations.

On Friday, Sudanese intelligence chief Muhamed Atta warned South Sudan against supporting or sheltering rebels fighting the Khartoum government.

The pro-Khartoum TV Channel Al-Shorouq quoted Atta as saying that, “the army and rapid-reaction troops will crack down on the rebels on South Sudanese territory.”

“Khartoum has been patient for so long while the South Sudan harboured armed movements which launch their attacks to destabilise the Sudanese territory”, he added.

The Sudanese army announced last week the killing of nearly 50 rebels of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North and four army personnel in clashes near the border with South Sudan.