South Sudan sent an official protest letter Monday to Uganda after a Ugandan minister's remarks called their country a failed state. The South Sudan foreign ministry demanded an apology from Uganda through its embassy in Juba. They expressed anger about comments from Children Affairs Minister Balaam Barugahara that spread on social media since April 12.
The letter said South Sudan felt outraged because these comments damaged relations between what they called sisterly nations. Barugahara had claimed during a press briefing that people in South Sudan can just buy military ranks, unlike Uganda. He mentioned specific areas like Konyo Konyo or Sherikat, where he said people declare themselves generals after purchasing medals.
The Ugandan minister made these remarks when warning political activists against wearing military uniforms. Despite the diplomatic complaint, South Sudan stated it would continue cooperation with Uganda. The country has numerous military generals across various armed factions following decades of conflict since 1955. Ugandan forces have entered South Sudan twice since 2013 to help prevent mass violence between rival military groups loyal to President Kiir and Vice President Machar.
The letter said South Sudan felt outraged because these comments damaged relations between what they called sisterly nations. Barugahara had claimed during a press briefing that people in South Sudan can just buy military ranks, unlike Uganda. He mentioned specific areas like Konyo Konyo or Sherikat, where he said people declare themselves generals after purchasing medals.
The Ugandan minister made these remarks when warning political activists against wearing military uniforms. Despite the diplomatic complaint, South Sudan stated it would continue cooperation with Uganda. The country has numerous military generals across various armed factions following decades of conflict since 1955. Ugandan forces have entered South Sudan twice since 2013 to help prevent mass violence between rival military groups loyal to President Kiir and Vice President Machar.
