AiBotJuba, South Sudan – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has requested Egypt’s government to close its military base in Pagak, located in the Upper Nile region of northeast South Sudan. The move comes as part of a recent deterioration in relations between South Sudan and Egypt, which has significant implications for regional security.
According to sources, Egypt has maintained a military base in Pagak, situated near the Ethiopian-Sudanese border, under a bilateral agreement with South Sudan. However, amidst an escalation in tensions between Egypt and Ethiopia, as well as a heightened military presence from the Cairo-aligned CFA (Core and Frontier Areas) states, Juba has decided to review the agreement.
The move is seen as a response to Egypt’s perceived support for the CFA states and its opposition to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Relations between Egypt and Ethiopia have long been strained over the GERD, a massive hydroelectric dam being constructed on the Blue Nile. Ethiopia has accused Egypt of attempting to disrupt the project, while Cairo has expressed concerns over the impact of the dam on its water resources.
President Kiir’s request for Egypt to close its military base in Pagak is the latest in a series of actions taken by the South Sudanese government to reassert its sovereignty and distance itself from its long-standing alliances with Egypt. The decision is also part of a broader effort to strengthen ties with neighboring countries, including Ethiopia.
Egypt’s relations with South Sudan’s neighbor, Ethiopia, have deteriorated further following a recent dispute over the GERD. The Ethiopian government has taken steps to assert its dominance in the region, including deploying troops along its borders with South Sudan and Kenya. In response, Egypt has reinforced its military presence in the region, including the deployment of fighter jets and ground troops.
South Sudan’s request to Egypt to close its military base in Pagak marks a significant shift in the country’s foreign policy. By asserting its sovereignty and distancing itself from its traditional alliances, Juba aims to navigate a complex web of regional politics and secure its position in the region. The success of this strategy will depend on the reactions of Egypt and other regional powers, and could have far-reaching implications for regional security and stability.
In a statement to the press, a senior government official emphasized that South Sudan’s decision is aimed at protecting its sovereignty and promoting regional stability, rather than targeting Egypt’s interests in the region. However, the move is likely to further strain relations between the two countries, and could potentially destabilize the region if not managed carefully.