Uganda has deployed special forces in Juba, South Sudan, to maintain security amid rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar. The deployment follows recent detentions of officials linked to Machar, raising fears of a civil war resurgence. Uganda aims to support Kiir and prevent regional instability.
On Tuesday, Uganda’s military chief announced the deployment of special forces in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, to ensure security amid escalating tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. Recent detention of ministers and military officials allied with Machar has heightened concerns regarding a possible return to civil war. A previous peace agreement, reached in 2018 to end a devastating five-year civil conflict, is now at risk following these events.
Uganda’s military leader, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, indicated in multiple posts on the X platform that the special forces arrived in Juba two days prior. He emphasized, “We the UPDF (Ugandan military), only recognize one President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir … any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda,” outlining Uganda’s unwavering support for Kiir’s administration.
Despite requests for comments, officials from the South Sudan government did not respond. Following the outbreak of the civil war in 2013, Uganda intervened by sending troops to support Kiir’s government against Machar’s factions; these troops were withdrawn in subsequent years. The re-engagement of Ugandan forces in South Sudan reflects the potential for rising chaos and the government’s concern over an influx of refugees and regional instability. Kainerugaba did not clarify whether this latest deployment was requested by the South Sudanese government or the anticipated duration of the military presence in the country.
The situation in South Sudan remains precarious, with Uganda responding by deploying special forces to Juba to mitigate the risk of civil unrest and potential conflict. This measure aligns with Uganda’s commitment to backing President Salva Kiir, especially in light of recent political tensions and military detentions. The historical context of Uganda’s military involvement in South Sudan underscores the deep-rooted complexities of the region’s stability.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
