Uganda: A South Sudanese official said Monday that his government expects Uganda to play a substantial role in resolving the border conflict that has at times threatened to plunge South Sudan and Sudan into a full-scale war.

Barnaba Marial Benjamin, South Sudan’s information minister, told a news conference in Kampala that Uganda is obligated to stand by South Sudan as it pursues an end to a conflict that has shut down the country’s oil production and left it exposed to bombs dropped by Sudan’s air force.

“Uganda has a responsibility to stand by us,” he said.

“Uganda has a role to play. They have got to look after this baby.”