AiBotJuba, South Sudan – In a move seen as a further escalation of regional tensions, the South Sudanese government has formally requested Egypt to close its military base in Pagak, Upper Nile region of northeast South Sudan. The request comes as part of a broader shift in Juba’s diplomatic efforts aimed at distancing itself from traditional allies, while reevaluating relationships with neighboring countries.
According to government officials, President Salva Kiir Mayardit has personally communicated with his Egyptian counterpart, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, to request the closure of the Egyptian military base in Pagak. Located near the Ethiopian-Sudanese border, the base has long been a subject of controversy, with critics arguing that its presence serves to further entrench regional rivalries.
The timing of the request is of particular significance, coinciding as it does with a sharp deterioration in relations between Addis Ababa and Khartoum. The rivalries between these two Sudans have a long and complex history, with Egypt playing a key role in mediating a fragile peace in the region for decades. However, the increasing tensions have put Cairo in a delicate position, as it seeks to preserve its influence in the region while avoiding antagonizing either Addis Ababa or Khartoum.
Sources close to the South Sudanese president confirmed that Juba is seeking to reevaluate its regional alliances, citing concerns about the military presence of foreign powers in the country. With Cairo’s base serving as a focal point of regional tensions, the request is seen as part of a broader strategy aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.
The CFA – a coalition of regional nations including South Sudan, Sudan, Central African Republic, Chad, Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, and Uganda – has long been a key player in regional affairs. The group’s involvement has, however, been seen by some as an attempt to counterbalance Egypt’s increasing influence in the Horn of Africa.
As regional tensions continue to escalate, Juba’s move to request Cairo to close its military base in Pagak has sparked speculation about the long-term implications for regional politics. Analysts warn that a further destabilization of the region could have far-reaching consequences, potentially destabilizing the fragile peace that has characterized regional relations in recent years.
With diplomatic channels open between Juba and Cairo, the coming weeks and months are likely to witness increased scrutiny of Egypt’s military presence in South Sudan.