Uganda has deployed special forces to Juba, South Sudan, to support President Kiir amidst rising tensions with his deputy Riek Machar, raising fears of renewed conflict. General Kainerugaba declared any threat to Kiir a war declaration against Uganda. The US has ordered evacuations for non-emergency staff due to deteriorating security, following violent incidents and high-profile arrests of Machar’s allies.
Uganda has dispatched special forces to South Sudan’s capital, Juba, to provide support to President Salva Kiir, as stated by Uganda’s military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. This deployment arises amid escalating tensions between President Kiir and his deputy Riek Machar, raising concerns about the potential collapse of their peace agreement and the resurgence of conflict within South Sudan.
General Kainerugaba refrained from detailing the reasons for the troop dispatch but emphasized that any actions against President Kiir would be seen as an act of war against Uganda. He expressed Uganda’s commitment to safeguarding South Sudan as if it were their own territory, sharing this message on the social media platform X. The South Sudanese government has yet to respond to this development.
Growing unease regarding the security situation in South Sudan has prompted the United States to order the evacuation of all non-emergency staff from the country. This decision reflects international concerns, particularly in light of recent arrests of key military figures and ministers allied with Machar, which opposition representatives regard as severe breaches of the existing peace arrangements.
The arrests followed military confrontations in Upper Nile state involving the government forces and the White Army militia, which had supported Machar during the prior civil war that erupted in 2013. This conflict was fueled by a power struggle between Kiir and Machar, resulting in significant violence and loss of life. Although a power-sharing agreement was reached in 2018, many critical aspects, including constitutional reforms, elections, and military unification, have yet to materialize.
The ongoing tensions in South Sudan, exacerbated by Uganda’s military intervention, highlight the fragile nature of the peace agreement between President Kiir and Riek Machar. With the situation escalating and the US responding by evacuating staff, the potential for renewed conflict looms large if key elements of the peace deal are not promptly addressed. International observers continue to monitor the developments closely as the stability of the region hangs in the balance.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
