S Sudan top brass told not to work with UN force

SOUTH Sudanese President Salva Kiir has ordered his army and security organs not to co-operate with the commanders of a new UN-mandated Regional Protection Force, saying their actions could undermine the nation’s sovereignty.

“Whatever they want to do must be subjected to scrutiny. I know you will face a challenge,” Kiir told a security meeting on Wednesday.

“They protest and some people will try to sabotage your work but you must know not all you get support from all the people.

“But what is important is that we must do what we know is right for our people.”

The Sudan Tribune reported that Kiir allowed the force into the country under the understanding that it would play a role in providing escorts and securing major supply roads to and from Juba, especially those subjected to armed attacks.

“You have to tell them where to go and what to do, not them telling you where they want to go and what to do. That is not what they came here for. They came to complement your work and so it is you whom they want to assist who should tell them where you need to go and what to do there”, stressed Kiir.

However, the president denied rumours that he had ordered the RPF’s expulsion.

Kiir’s statements followed a warning he issued last week that South Sudan’s unity government would reconsider its decision on the deployment of the 4000-strong force should it fail to abide by his government’s authority.