Leaders from the African Union have backed plans to deploy 12,000 troops in South Sudan, after weeks of fighting in the country between rival factions.
Representatives from the African Union agreed to have troops from Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan and Uganda deployed in the country – a move that South Sudan has opposed.
Speaking to the BBC, South Sudan's Information Minister, Michael Makuei Lueth said his government was “not ready for a deployment of even a single additional soldier”. "That does not solve the problem," he continued, adding "As a sovereign state… this thing cannot be imposed on us without our consent".
However AU Peace and Security Commissioner Smail Chergui said “African troops are ready to engage in very difficult situations" and "they are there where there is peace to keep”.
See more from VoA here and the BBC here.
Representatives from the African Union agreed to have troops from Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan and Uganda deployed in the country – a move that South Sudan has opposed.
Speaking to the BBC, South Sudan's Information Minister, Michael Makuei Lueth said his government was “not ready for a deployment of even a single additional soldier”. "That does not solve the problem," he continued, adding "As a sovereign state… this thing cannot be imposed on us without our consent".
However AU Peace and Security Commissioner Smail Chergui said “African troops are ready to engage in very difficult situations" and "they are there where there is peace to keep”.
See more from VoA here and the BBC here.