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 South Sudanese Army in its campaign to recapture rebel strongholds held since December 2013.

“This will regionalize the conflict,” a rebel statement said.

[Related: S. Sudan charges Khartoum instigated revolt, plans strike]

The statement by a splinter group of the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement, termed SPLM/A, did not detail Egyptian support. But the rebels said the military-backed regime in Cairo sent officers to help train and mentor Juba’s army.

More than one million people have been displaced by the five-month war. Four leaders of SPLM have been captured and charged with treason.

The rebels said the Egyptian military aid was based on Juba’s pledge to support Cairo in stopping an Ethiopian-sponsored regional dam. They said South Sudan President Salva Kiir was planning to divert water to Egypt from the Upper Nile.

“We urge them [Egypt] to undertake a neutral and impartial position in
this crisis as they did during our 50 years of struggle,” SPLM/A youth
president Puot Chol said.

  Riek Machar, S. Sudan rebels charge Egypt supporting the government, Salva Kiir, SPLM