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 by powerful tribes, including those in the military and security forces.

“This is a conflict in which neither side is strong enough to bring to a conclusion,” a regional diplomat said.

[Related story: South Sudan, its people and even Sudan reject a coup attempt that had Obama’s backing]

The civil war has raged despite efforts at a ceasefire. The rebels said the South Sudanese Army has been violating a ceasefire that took effect on Jan. 24.

“They [rebels] have the fight to defend themselves against this senseless aggression using all means available at their disposal,” rebel spokesman Lul Ruai Koang said.

The regime of President Salva Kiir has threatened to retaliate. Officials said Juba has notified the international community of the purported rebel violations.

“The rebel forces are still continuing to attack our forces,”
Information Minister Michael Lueth said. “If nothing is done by the IGAD
[Intergovernmental Authority on Development], then definitely our forces
will not fold their hands.”

Fighting was reported in the northern oil state of Unity as well
as eastern Jonglei. Diplomats said the army was ordered to stop rebels, led
by ex-vice president Riek Machar, from seizing the nation’s crude oil
assets, a leading earner of hard currency.

Kiir has been bolstered by troops from neighboring Uganda while the
rebels were believed supported by Sudan. So far, up to 10,000 have been
reported killed and more than one million displaced in less than a month of
fighting.

“Our forces cannot move towards the rebel areas,” presidential spokesman
Ateny Wek Ateny said. “But the rebels also should maintain their line.”

  Diplomats see S. Sudan spiraling into open-ended civil war, Juba, Riek Machar, Salva Kiir