Uganda has sent troop reinforcements to South Sudan’s capital, Juba, amid escalating tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. The situation has triggered fears of renewed civil war following power-sharing disputes. The United Nations has called for dialogue to prevent further violence and instability.
Uganda has dispatched special forces to South Sudan amid escalating tensions and fears of imminent civil war. The deployment aims to secure Juba, South Sudan’s capital, as clashes intensify between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, leading to the unraveling of their power-sharing arrangement established after the civil war.
The military chief of Uganda announced the troop deployment on Tuesday, emphasizing their mission to stabilize Juba. Notably, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, a key military figure, stated that any attack on President Kiir would be viewed as a declaration of war on Uganda. There is currently no indication of how long these troops will remain or whether their assistance was solicited by Kiir’s administration.
Recent days have witnessed sporadic violence as the fragile peace established in 2018 faces threats of collapse. Kiir’s government has also detained allied ministers and military officials connected to Machar, escalating the conflict. Analysts express concern over the potential resurgence of hostilities, despite Kiir’s assertions that war will not resume.
The United Nations has intervened by urging all parties to abstain from violence and calling for an urgent dialogue to address the rising tensions. Uganda’s military activity echoes its previous actions during South Sudan’s initial civil war in 2013, when troops were similarly sent to stabilize Juba. Past deployments were withdrawn in 2015 but resumed in 2016 as fighting reignited.
The prospect of renewed conflict in South Sudan raises alarm for Uganda, as it could lead to a surge in refugees and further regional instability. Concurrently, Uganda has already engaged in military operations against rebel groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, highlighting the precarious security situation in the region.
In summary, Uganda’s deployment of special forces to South Sudan is a critical response to escalating tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. This action echoes previous military interventions amid fears of a renewed civil war, prompting international calls for restraint and dialogue. As the situation evolves, regional stability remains precarious, necessitating careful monitoring and diplomatic efforts.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
