Regional nations back troops for UN force in South Sudan
Nairobi (AFP) - Regional nations back the sending of troops as part of a 5,500-strong increase in the UN peacekeeping force in South Sudan to end conflict in the young nation, Kenya's foreign minister said Wednesday.
Thousands have been killed and half a million civilians forced to flee the fighting between troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and rebels allied to his sacked deputy Riek Machar.
"Some countries have already agreed to provide troops while others are considering the provision of troops," Amina Mohamed told reporters.
"We (Kenya) have also been approached to provide troops, so have many other countries both in Africa and outside Africa."
No decision had been made, she added.
Thousands have been killed and half a million civilians forced to flee the fighting between troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and rebels allied to his sacked deputy Riek Machar.
Earlier this month the UN Security Council approved 5,500 more troops for its peacekeeping force in South Sudan (UNMISS), to boost the current deployment of some 7,000 soldiers.
Kenya deployed troops briefly in South Sudan last month to help evacuate citizens trapped in the fighting.
Kenya is a key member of the East African Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which is mediating deadlocked talks in Ethiopia between the warring parties.
The foreign ministry clarified earlier reports that suggested troops from regional nations could take part in an IGAD-force, saying they would only take part under a UN-mandate.
Uganda, an IGAD-member, has already sent troops to South Sudan on its own and taken a key role in the fighting in support of Kiir.
Rebel chief Machar has demanded Kampala withdraw all forces, claiming Ugandan fighter jets have tried to kill him, and has questioned the neutrality of IGAD as a mediator.
A draft cessation of hostilities deal seen by AFP and put to delegates in Addis Ababa proposes an IGAD-led team to monitor the proposed deal on the ground.
Mohamed said the increase in troops force would "support the monitoring and verification of cessation of hostilities, to ensure that peace and normalcy return to the Republic of South Sudan".
The United Nations says atrocities have been committed, including mass killings, sexual violence and widespread destruction.
The draft IGAD ceasefire accord presented to peace delegates meeting in Addis Ababa, notes the "scale of human suffering... with great loss of human life", since fighting broke out on December 15.
It also specifically highlights that both sides must "refrain" from attacking civilians, including summary executions, use of child soldiers as well as "rape, sexual abuse and torture".
Fighting has spiralled into ethnic killings between members of Kiir's Dinka people -- the country's largest group -- and Machar's Nuer. Many fear the conflict has spun out of the control of the politicians who sparked it.
An emergency regional summit of IGAD leaders planned for Thursday in Juba has been cancelled, but the same issues of striking a deal will be discussed at the African Union in Addis Ababa next week.
