Uganda has deployed troops to South Sudan to assist President Salva Kiir amid fears of civil war due to escalating tensions with Deputy Riek Machar. The Ugandan military’s involvement reflects ongoing political instabilities since South Sudan’s independence, with international pressure mounting on its leaders to adhere to peace agreements and implement necessary reforms.
Uganda has strategically deployed an undisclosed number of its troops to South Sudan, aiming to safeguard the precarious government led by President Salva Kiir amidst escalating tensions that threaten to spark civil war. This move involves Ugandan special forces being stationed in Juba, the country’s capital, as a preventative measure against a potential rebel offensive, according to Major General Felix Kulayigye of the Ugandan military.
The deployment reflects Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s role as a peace guarantor in the ongoing power struggle within South Sudan’s leadership, where Kiir and his deputy, Riek Machar, maintain a tenuous alliance. Museveni’s historical interventions have been crucial in supporting Kiir’s administration during past conflicts. The ongoing instability in South Sudan has intensified concerns about its governance, particularly following violent altercations primarily due to the rivalry among its leaders since the nation’s independence in 2011.
Recent developments include the U.S. instructing non-emergency government personnel to evacuate Juba and warnings from the U.N. about the deterioration of conditions that could undo recent progress in South Sudan’s stability. The origin of the current unrest can be traced to clashes between government forces and the rebel White Army in Northern regions, exacerbating existing issues.
In a series of violent incidents, several casualties were reported, including the death of a South Sudanese general during an attempted evacuation by a U.N. helicopter, which was reportedly targeted during its mission. Additionally, governmental actions against Machar’s loyalists, including detaining key military figures, have heightened tensions between the two leaders, with accusations of unilateral decisions undermining their peace agreement.
Following the violent events, Kiir assured a commitment to maintaining peace and urged calm, reflecting the fragility of the political landscape. The conflict initially erupted in 2013, driven by a rift between the two leaders that evolved into ethnic strife, resulting in severe human losses and prolonged instability within the nation. Despite a peace accord signed in 2018 that reinstated Machar as the first vice president, deep-rooted suspicions and ongoing accusations of ceasefire violations persist between Kiir and Machar.
Pressure mounts on both leaders from international entities, including the U.S., to expedite the execution of the 2018 peace agreement and initiate electoral processes. A significant challenge lies in fulfilling commitments to reform, particularly the unification of military command, with presidential elections now slated for 2026 but having faced numerous delays.
In summary, Uganda’s military intervention in South Sudan raises significant security concerns amidst the looming threat of renewed civil conflict. With President Kiir’s authority facing challenges from Deputy Machar and ongoing tensions between their factions, the peace agreement established in 2018 remains precarious. Both leaders’ compliance with international calls for reform and electoral readiness is crucial as the nation strives for stability in the face of severe political rivalry.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
