South Sudan denies Egyptian intervention in Juba’s civil war

CAIRO – 6 March 2017: South Sudanese Army Chief of Staff Paul Malong denied any Egyptian intervention in the civil war taking place in South Sudan, calling such allegations “impossible” and “illogical,” Youm7 reported Sunday.


Malong said in press statements that Egypt’s approach to South Sudan targets only stabilization, peace and stronger ties between both countries, adding that dialogue is the only means to end the unrest in South Sudan.


Egypt has ancient and historical relations with South Sudan, said Malong, who pointed out that 6,000 South Sudanese students are pursuing their education in Egypt.


South Sudanese rebels accused Egypt in February of carrying out bombing raids against their positions, drawing immediate denial from both South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.


Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid denied the allegations in a statement, asserting Egypt’s abstention from interfering in the internal affairs of other countries.


Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir also alleged Egyptian intervention in the South Sudanese civil war by secretly arming Kiir’s forces.


The South Sudanese civil war broke out in December 2013 following a dispute between President Kiir and his former deputy, Riek Machar.