Tribalism, ‘collapsed’ economy straining South Sudan army

South Sudan army soldiers in Bentiu on January 12, 2014. PHOTO | FILE

The increasingly tribal nature of the conflict in South Sudan is producing strains within the army, says a UN report published on Tuesday.

“Senior and high-ranking SPLA [Sudan People’s Liberation Army] officers have noted to the UN Panel of Experts that there is discontent within the SPLA at the increasing tribalisation of the army,” the 20-page report states.