South Sudan has condemned statements made by Assistant Commander-in-Chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) General Yasser Al-Atta for claiming that they will deal with ‘traitors’ within South Sudan.
In a press conference held in Juba, Ambassador Apuk Ayuel Mayen, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said Al-Atta’s statement is ‘reckless’ and ‘provocative.’
“The remarks made on 23 March 2025, in which General Al-Atta declared the readiness of the Sudanese Government and its armed forces to deal with what he described as “traitors” inside the Republic of South Sudan, are not only reckless and provocative,” she said.
Amb. Apuk argued that the statement is also a clear violation of the values of good neighborliness, peaceful cohabitation, and international law.
She added that the Government of the Republic of South Sudan remains firmly committed to regional peace and stability and has consistently advocated for dialogue and diplomatic engagement to resolve disputes.
“We also reaffirm our call for an immediate end to the destructive conflict in Sudan, which continues to force Sudanese citizens to flee across our borders in search of safety,”
Foreign affairs asked the Republic of Sudan’s leadership to reaffirm its commitment to peaceful ties and ensure that public remarks and actions show respect for international principles and all nations’ sovereignty.
“Furthermore, we call upon regional and international partners, including the African Union and the United Nations, to take note of these hostile remarks and engage with the Republic of the Sudan to prevent any escalation that could jeopardize regional peace and security,” Apuk added.
South Sudan’s government has stated that it will take all necessary steps to protect its territorial integrity and the safety of its inhabitants.
South Sudan government said it will take all necessary measures to safeguard its territorial integrity and the safety of its citizens.
“We remain vigilant and prepared to defend our nation against any form of aggression while continuing to pursue diplomatic solutions to maintain peace in our region,”
Previously, Gen. Al-Atta claimed that 65% of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are South Sudanese nationals, a claim that has sparked significant outrage and diplomatic tensions.
Addressing troops on January 20, 2025, General Al-Atta asserted that there have been in contact with South Sudanese officials over the past two years regarding the involvement of South Sudanese opposition figures fighting alongside the RSF.
He explicitly highlighted Stephen Buoy as an example, a claim rejected and denied by the South Sudanese government and described as ‘an utter exaggeration’.
Foreign affairs emphasized that many of the militia groups cited by General Al-Atta have historically been aligned with the Sudanese army, further wonder why General Atta failed to mention them.
The South Sudanese government expressed deep concern that such rhetoric could incite violence against its citizens residing in Sudan.
This apprehension follows reports of atrocities committed against South Sudanese nationals in Al Jazira State, where civilians were allegedly executed publicly, prompting international condemnation.
Similarly, Chad has criticized a senior Sudanese general’s threat to attack its airports as a “declaration of war.”
Its foreign ministry said it would respond according to international law if a “square metre of Chadian territory is threatened”.
The warning follows comments from Lt-Gen Yasir al-Atta, the deputy commander of Sudan’s army, who said the UAE was using Chad’s airports to deliver weapons to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The Sudanese army has repeatedly accused the UAE of supporting its rival, the RSF, throughout the brutal two-year civil war, which has created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.
