Kenya Considering Deploying Soldiers to South Sudan

{{East African states are considering sending troops into South Sudan to help enforce a ceasefire deal between government forces and rebels, a regional bloc said, amid persistent accusations by both sides that the other is breaking the truce. }}

The IGAD grouping, which is mediating peace talks between the two sides, said in a statement it was discussing a “protection and stabilization force” with the African Union and United Nations.

The statement gave no details on the size or mandate of any force but said it would be part of a mechanism to monitor a cessation of hostilities the warring factions agreed on January 23.

South Sudan’s neighbours are wary of getting sucked into the violence but are frustrated by the continued fighting, and worry the unrest may escalate into a broader regional conflict.

Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi have shown a willingness to contribute soldiers to the force, South Sudanese officials in Ethiopia told Reuters.

All except Rwanda already provide forces to the 22,000-strong African peacekeeping force in Somalia battling al Qaeda-linked militants.

Rwanda has sent peacekeepers to the Sudanese region of Darfur and Central African Republic.

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