The UPDF has confirmed the deployment of special forces in South Sudan to support President Kiir’s government amidst rising tensions with Riek Machar’s forces. The legality of the deployment is uncertain due to the absence of parliamentary approval. This situation follows violent clashes that threaten the 2018 peace agreement ending the civil war.
The spokesperson for the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has officially confirmed the deployment of special forces to South Sudan in support of President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s administration. The specifics surrounding this deployment remain ambiguous, as Uganda’s parliament has not publicly sanctioned the action.
Tensions have escalated recently between President Kiir’s forces and those loyal to First Vice President Riek Machar, who leads the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO). In a recent incident, militias reportedly aligned with Machar captured the town of Nasir in Upper Nile State, resulting in multiple fatalities, including a commander of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).
This violence has led Kiir’s government to increase its crackdown on Machar’s supporters, leading to the detention of several high-ranking officials, including the Petroleum Minister. Such developments have heightened concerns regarding the stability of the fragile 2018 peace accord that concluded a devastating five-year civil conflict.
In an exclusive interview with Radio Tamazuj, UPDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye reaffirmed the troop deployment, stating its purpose is to “support the government of South Sudan due to the growing insecurity in the country.” He highlighted that the mission is beneficial for both Ugandan and South Sudanese citizens. When questioned about the deployment’s legal foundation, he noted that without a bilateral agreement, it could be perceived as an invasion.
Brig. Gen. Kulayigye also indicated that troop presence in South Sudan would persist as long as security threats remain. The timing and details of troop withdrawal will be contingent upon unfolding events, although he refrained from disclosing the number of personnel involved.
This confirmation follows a statement from Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who announced via social media that “UPDF commandos have arrived in Juba to support SSPDF in the current crisis.”
Attempts to secure comments from SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang were unsuccessful, and efforts to reach South Sudan’s Information Minister, Michael Makuei, were also met with no response. Notably, Uganda has historically intervened in South Sudan’s conflicts, having previously deployed troops during the civil war that erupted in 2013, reinforcing Kiir’s administration during his conflict with Machar.
In conclusion, the UPDF’s deployment of special forces to South Sudan represents Uganda’s ongoing involvement in the region’s conflicts. The lack of parliamentary authorization for this action has raised questions about its legality, amidst escalating tensions between rival political factions in South Sudan. As the situation evolves, the deployment’s impact on the fragile peace agreement will be pivotal to the region’s stability.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
