East African foreign ministers Friday flew into South Sudan's capital Juba to mediate between the government and rebel forces in a crisis that has pushed the nation to the brink of civil war. The ministerial group, led by an African Union task force, first met with President Salva Kiir before meeting his rivals, according to Ugandan officials, dpa reported. Uganda also sent troops to South Sudan to secure the capital's airport, an army spokesman told dpa. US President Barack Obama ordered about 45 combat-equipped military personnel to South Sudan to secure the embassy, staff and other citizens in Juba. "This force will remain in South Sudan until the security situation becomes such that it is no longer needed," Obama said. -- SPA 20:57 LOCAL TIME 17:57 GMT تغريد
