Uganda has deployed special forces to Juba, South Sudan, amid rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar, following recent governmental arrests. This action aims to secure stability as the risk of resuming civil conflict grows, threatening the fragile 2018 peace agreement. Uganda’s military chief reaffirmed support for Kiir’s presidency, although the duration and basis of this new deployment remain unspecified.
On Tuesday, Uganda’s military chief announced the deployment of special forces to South Sudan’s capital, Juba, to ensure security in light of escalating tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar. These tensions intensified following the government’s arrest of two ministers and several military officials who are aligned with Machar, leading to concerns about a potential resurgence of civil strife.
The recent arrests and violent clashes in Nasir have raised alarms regarding the fragility of the 2018 peace agreement that concluded a devastating civil war in South Sudan, which resulted in nearly 400,000 fatalities. Kainerugaba shared in a series of posts on the X platform that the Ugandan forces’ objective is to stabilize Juba amid the increasing unrest.
Kainerugaba emphasized Uganda’s unwavering support for President Kiir, stating, “We the UPDF [Ugandan military], only recognize one president of South Sudan, HE Salva Kiir … any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda.” This reiterates Uganda’s commitment to defending Kiir’s administration during times of instability.
Historically, Uganda has intervened in South Sudan, sending troops during the civil war that erupted in 2013 and again in 2016 when hostilities resumed. Uganda’s military presence in Juba has raised concerns about a humanitarian crisis due to potential refugee influx should violence escalate in South Sudan.
As of now, Kainerugaba has not clarified if this troop deployment was made at the request of Kiir’s government or for how long Ugandan forces will remain in South Sudan, leaving questions about the strategic implications of this action.
The deployment of Ugandan special forces to Juba underscores the heightened tensions between South Sudan’s leadership, reflecting a precarious situation that risks destabilizing the region. Uganda’s historical military interventions highlight its commitment to President Salva Kiir, yet the vagueness surrounding the current mission indicates uncertainty in the future of South Sudan’s political landscape. Continued vigilance is necessary to prevent further escalation and preserve peace in the region.
Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za
