AU to form brigade for peacekeeping in South Sudan

PIC: State minister for foreign affairs, Henry Okello Oryem making a statement on the security situation of South Sudan at Parliament on Thursday. Photo/Miriam Namutebi

The African Union is considering establishment of a regional brigade in South Sudan, for peace keeping.

The resolution to establish a brigade was made by the Intergovernmental Agency for Development and endorsed by the AU Peace and Security Council (IGAD).

Delivering a statement on the security situation in South Sudan where a number of Ugandans have been killed since the war broke out last weekend, state minister for foreign affairs Henry Okello Oryem told Parliament that the decision to form a brigade is pending approval by the UN Security Council.

"Urgent consultations are on-going for the convening of an extraordinary IGAD summit, at the sidelines of the AU summit in Kigali, the summit is expected to consider the security situation in South Sudan. The outcome of that summit will form a basis for calling on the UN security Council to endorse a proposal for the establishment of the intervening brigade," Oryem said.

Members of Parliament during the 8th sitting of the 10TH Parliament on July 14 2016.

 
He noted that Ethiopia which is the chair of the IGAD will spearhead the process of mobilizing the United Nations (UN) Security Council on the matter.

Oryem told Parliament that about 3000 Ugandans had been lined up for evacuation, by the Uganda People's Forces (UPDF).

"As the evacuation process takes place, Ugandans have been advised to get in touch with our embassy in South Sudan and those who have not yet been able to get assistance, to remain indoors," he said.

Debating his statement, the MPs condemned the continued fighting in South Sudan and called for a cease fire.

The MPs also urged the government to ensure tightening its security on different border points between Uganda and South Sudan, to guard against gun trafficking.

"Because of the war in South Sudan, some refugees are coming into Uganda unchecked. As these people come in, they are carrying guns and this is not good for our security, government should increase on its security patrol along our borders neighboring south Sudan," Molly Lanyero, the woman MP Lamwo district said.

Some MPs however attacked the leadership of South Sudan for the continued war which they said has claimed lives of innocent people including Ugandans.

Kampala central MP Mohammed Nsereko demanded that the South Sudan government compensates families of Ugandans who have lost their loved ones and property during the fighting.

" It is not the first time this is happening , Ugandans dying and losing their property despite  the investment Uganda has done in South Sudan in terms of sending its troops to keep peace , what is the government of South Sudan doing to compensate our people," asked Nsereko.