In December 2013, when conflict erupted between the government of South Sudan and the rebel faction loyal to former vice president Riek Machar, President Salva Kiir asked for Uganda's help. Uganda sent its military with the aim of guarding vital state infrastructure. However, Uganda's presence has continued to be a hurdle in the South Sudan talks, with the rebels claiming that Uganda is involved in military attacks against them. The intergovernmental Authority for Development now says that it is time for Uganda to begin withdrawing from South Sudan. The chairperson of IGAD, Hailemariam Desalegn who is also Prime minister of Ethiopia, says the IGAD heads of state during their last summit in Addis Ababa, agreed that South Sudan's problem is a political one and now needs political dialogue only. The rebel faction loyal to Riek Machar has already threatened to stall the second round of political talks expected to resume in Addis Ababa. The opposition has already called for the immediate withdrawal of Ugandan troops. It also says it wants the release of four detainees who remain in prison in Juba following the release of seven of their colleagues in late January. It remains to be seen whether Uganda will indeed begin its troop withdrawal from South Sudan. However, what is clear is that as long as Uganda remains in South Sudan the expected second round of political talks will be filled with accusations and mistrust between the warring parties of South Sudan.

• published: 12 Feb 2014
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