By Dhieu Mathok Diing Wol

Sudan Tribune

September 10, 2014 - One could be a party to a conflict, therefore a party to a negotiation process, if need arises. However, to be a mediating party as well in the same conflict is something unusual. The Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is fighting, mediating and negotiating at the time in the South Sudan conflict. It’s a situation which has never existed in conflict resolution theory and practice.

IGAD is a regional organization which brings together eight eastern African countries comprising of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda and Eretria but whose membership has been suspended temporarily. On December 13rd- just two days before the war erupted in South Sudan on December 15th, 2013- Uganda sent troops to South Sudan with knowledge of the South Sudanese authorities. Intelligent source reveals that minister in the office of the president for national security services General Mabuto Mamur Mete was tasked with coordination of the Uganda intervention. He (Mamur) contacted his Ugandan counterpart for intervention before the fabricated coup. Western Countries swallowed the move after the 15th December incident under pretext that the operation was meant for evacuation of foreign nationals in the country.