Kiir asks Museveni for support

Gen. Nyakairima, President Museveni and Minister Oryem meet the Sudan delegation led by South Sudan President Salva Kiir (3rd L), at State House Entebbe on Saturday. PHOTO BY PPU

South Sudan President Salva Kiir rushed to Kampala at the weekend to drum up military and diplomatic support against Khartoum ahead of next month’s referendum on secession.

Highly placed sources said Gen. Kiir briefed President Museveni about escalating war signs following bombing of some southern Sudan villages allegedly by Sudan Armed Forces.

The UN Mission in Sudan on December 13 confirmed Sudan Air force carried out strikes near Kiir Adem Bridge in the contested oil-rich Abyei border region around mid-November.

These attacks, worsened by the weekend decree by President Omar Bashir that Sudan would turn into a puritanical Islamic state once the South votes to break-way, have stoked tension, triggering mass exodus of southerners resident in the north.
Diplomatic and military sources fear an influx of refugees into Uganda and worry that rogue elements in Sudan could infiltrate the fleeing group and cause harm from within Uganda.

Gen. Kiir, also vice President of Sudan republic, reportedly appealed to Mr Museveni who played a key role during the two-decade SPLM/A war, to weigh in to calm the tense situation.

Millions of south Sudanese are expected to vote on January 9, to decide whether to form a separate country or remain part of Sudan, a central requirement of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

Struggle over Abyei
A vote is also due in Abyei on January 9, 2011, to determine if the region should be administered by Khartoum or Juba.
GOSS has moved troops and heavy military hardware near the disputed Abyei border region.

The UPDF has been put on high alert, although Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, the chief of defence forces, said last week it was in readiness for the February election in Uganda. Gen. Nyakairima also notified Khartoum that south Sudan’s desire to secede will be enforced.

International Affairs Minister, Oryem-Okello, last evening said: “The government of Uganda stands committed that the referendum should take place on January 9, 2011, in a peaceful environment and on time to determine the fate of South Sudan,” he said. “And this should involve a referendum on Abyei on the same day.”