Uganda has deployed special forces to Juba to support President Salva Kiir amid rising tensions with First Vice President Riek Machar. The situation raises concerns over the fragile peace agreement established in 2018, as the government intensifies its crackdown on Machar’s allies, amidst fears of a potential return to conflict.
Uganda has deployed special forces to Juba in support of President Salva Kiir amidst escalating tensions with First Vice President Riek Machar. Confirmed by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, this deployment of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) commandos is part of an operation dubbed ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya’. The action aligns with a crackdown by Kiir’s administration on Machar’s allies, following the detention of two ministers and several senior military officials loyal to Machar.
Concerns are rising regarding the fragile peace agreement established in 2018, which sought to resolve a devastating civil war that resulted in nearly 400,000 deaths and the displacement of millions. Although the agreement reinstated Machar as Vice President in a power-sharing government formed in 2020, its implementation has suffered significant delays due to ongoing political disputes.
Historically, Uganda has played a pivotal role in South Sudan’s internal conflicts. Before the current tensions, Uganda intervened in 2013 to support Kiir’s government during a civil war sparked by their power struggle. The ethnic violence and atrocities from that conflict have left South Sudan divided.
Despite the 2018 peace deal ending open warfare, the unfinished integration of armed factions into a cohesive national army leaves South Sudan at risk of renewed conflict. In light of recent arrests of his supporters, Machar’s camp has called for their immediate release while expressing alarm at the recent Cabinet changes made by Kiir that displaced officials close to Machar, arguing this undermines the power-sharing agreement.
The developments have generated fears about the stability of the fragile peace agreement, with opposition leaders warning that the possibility of renewed conflict appears increasingly imminent. As the youngest nation, South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011, continues to grapple with ongoing internal strife and delays in elections.
In summary, Uganda’s deployment of special forces to Juba highlights the escalating tensions in South Sudan between President Kiir and First Vice President Machar. The situation raises serious concerns about the sustainability of the 2018 peace agreement, particularly in light of recent political actions and arrests of Machar’s allies. If unresolved, these tensions pose a significant threat to South Sudan’s stability and could pave the way for renewed conflict.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
