Expel armed groups in 2 months or we will reconsider deal - Bashir warns S. Sudan

Immediately after a United States report accusing South Sudan of supporting and harbouring Sudanese armed groups, President Omar al-Bashir on Friday gave Juba two months to expel the groups.

Speaking at a meeting in Khartoum, Bashir said Sudan’s patience is running out and South Sudan should implement the cooperation agreement or they will reconsider the deal, Sudan Tribune reported.

“We are keen to relationship and peace with the Republic of South Sudan. But they must also implement what they are committed to … We have been patient long enough, but the next December will be the accounting date, either we agree on the implementation or we will turn the page,” Sudanese President Bashir warned.

The U.S. Department of State said in a statement on Friday that reports indicate the South Sudanese government harbors Sudanese armed groups despite its obligations under international law and repeated agreements between the two countries.

S. Sudan accused of supporting Sudanese armed groups, US issues caution https://t.co/Ct0QfKtNLe

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The South Sudanese government responded to the U.S. report saying it is unfortunate and can undermine efforts to resolve security matters in their country.

“This is unfortunate and we will ask for clarification from relevant institutions through diplomatic channels. It undermines the current efforts to handle such matters. There are already mechanisms through which such allegations could be addressed and the United States is one of the players we expect to play a positive role,” Tut Kew Gatluak, a presidential security advisor told Sudan Tribune on Friday without necessarily denying or confirming the claim.

The Cooperation Agreement signed in Addis Ababa on September 27, 2012 among others establishes frameworks for cooperation and managing their bilateral relations.