Historical relations between Uganda and Sudan have been fraught, with both countries backing armed proxies fighting over the status of South Sudan. From the late 1980s until the mid-2000s, both Museveni and al Bashir were attempting to consolidate their rule, and the indirect fighting reflected the domestic situation in each country. Museveni has now largely achieved his objective against rebels in northern Uganda, while al Bashir's government has recognized South Sudan as a country. South Sudan's independence is a settled issue, and the new country has become a buffer between Sudan and Uganda. Museveni and al Bashir no longer have to struggle for legitimacy within their own countries. In these circumstances, the interests of Kampala and Khartoum are aligning, particularly over the issue of maintaining peace in South Sudan.