U.S. sanctions both South Sudan and Sudan-backed rebels

U.S. sanctions both South Sudan and Sudan-backed rebels

Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The United States has imposed its first sanctions on South Sudan which has been battling rebels reportedly armed and funded by Sudan’s regime in deals with Iran and China. [See also: Sudan supplying fighters against South Sudan in arms for oil deal with Iran, China] The administration of President Barack […]

S. Sudan forces advance to oil hub as rebels retreat toward Ethiopia

S. Sudan forces advance to oil hub as rebels retreat toward Ethiopia

Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — South Sudan has reported progress in its campaign to quell a revolt within the military. Officials said the Juba regime, aided by such allies as Egypt and Uganda, were pressing ahead to capture rebel-held towns. The officials said the Army was driving the rebels out of the oil-rich sector in […]

S. Sudan rebels charge Egypt supporting the government

S. Sudan rebels charge Egypt supporting the government

Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — Rebels have accused Egypt of helping the government in the civil war in South Sudan. Rebels loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar, who reportedly has Sudan’s backing, said Egypt was supplying troops and equipment to the Juba government. The rebels said Egypt was joined by Uganda in supporting the […]

S. Sudan government charges Khartoum backing rebels who claim key oil town

S. Sudan government charges Khartoum backing rebels who claim key oil town

Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — Rebels have claimed the capture of an oil-rich area of South Sudan. On April 15, the rebels, despite a ceasefire agreement, said they captured Bentiu, a city in the oil-rich Wehda state. The rebels said they were advancing in Wehda and would end operations by foreign energy contractors. The South […]

As China eats West’s lunch in Africa, bad policy reaps chaos in S. Sudan, CAR

As China eats West’s lunch in Africa, bad policy reaps chaos in S. Sudan, CAR

Special to WorldTribune.com Yossef Bodansky, Senior Editor, Global Information System / Defense & Foreign Affairs Major Western states, with historical dominance over key African regions and markets, have, in the first years of the 21st Century, been losing influence in many areas of Africa. Often the Western states — the U.S., UK, and France in […]

Chaos in the heart of Africa: Time for S. Sudan to act and for U.S.-enabled rebels, Sudan and Iran to back off

Chaos in the heart of Africa: Time for S. Sudan to act and for U.S.-enabled rebels, Sudan and Iran to back off

Special to WorldTribune.com Yossef Bodansky, Senior Editor, Global Information System / Defense & Foreign Affairs Crisis and violence linger in South Sudan more than two months after Riek Machar’s failed coup attempt. Fighting continues at varying levels of intensity and geographic spread. Fratricidal violence refuses to die down. Surges of tribal and clan clashes continue […]

S. Sudan charges Khartoum instigated revolt, plans strike

S. Sudan charges Khartoum instigated revolt, plans strike

Special to WorldTribune.com LONDON — South Sudan has been planning an offensive against its northern neighbor said to have backed and exploited the rebellion in South Sudan. Officials said the ruling Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement was planning a major military strike against the regime of Sudanese President Omar Bashir. They said SPLM, which controls the […]

African nations need regional solutions, not misguided advice from the West and the African Union

African nations need regional solutions, not misguided advice from the West and the African Union

Special to WorldTribune.com Yossef Bodansky, Senior Editor, Global Information System / Defense & Foreign Affairs Western political leaders and media are often quick to make demands of African states and their leaders while completely absolving the “rebels” in the bush. Rebel leaders are customarily romanticized in the traditions of Fidel Castro’s adulation. In contrast, state […]

Diplomats see S. Sudan spiraling into open-ended civil war

Diplomats see S. Sudan spiraling into open-ended civil war

Special to WorldTribune.com CAIRO — After two years of independence, South Sudan has entered what diplomats term a civil war that could last years. Western diplomats said the Juba government was incapable of quelling the revolt that has spread throughout South Sudan. The diplomats said the revolt, sparked by an ex-vice president, has been supported […]

South Sudan boosted by Uganda after failure of coup backed by Obama administration

South Sudan boosted by Uganda after failure of coup backed by Obama administration

Special to WorldTribune.com GIS/Defense & Foreign Affairs, Juba It has been more than a month since former South Sudan Vice President Riek Machar launched his failed coup attempt against the government of President Salva Kiir Mayardit. Sporadic fighting continues and innocent civilians still suffer solely because Machar and his inner circle refuse to face reality. […]