The Ugandan army chief has announced the deployment of troops to South Sudan’s capital, Juba, in response to escalating tensions threatening the fragile peace between President Kiir and Vice President Machar. Clashes among factions have increased, prompting warnings of potential war. The UN expresses alarm over the situation, emphasizing the need for peacekeeping preparations.
The Ugandan army chief announced the deployment of special forces to Juba, South Sudan, amidst escalating tensions that threaten the peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. Political instability has long plagued South Sudan, yet recent clashes among factions have heightened fears for the fragile peace. “As of 2 days ago, our Special Forces units entered Juba to secure it,” stated Ugandan army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba on X.
Army spokesman Felix Kulayigye confirmed the deployment, clarifying it was to protect the government. Uganda previously intervened during South Sudan’s civil war, supporting Kiir’s regime, but had withdrawn official military support in 2015. Persistent conflicts jeopardize the power-sharing pact between Kiir and Machar that ended civil hostilities in 2018.
Tensions intensified after an incident involving a UN helicopter and a failed rescue mission, resulting in casualties among South Sudanese army officials. The potential for these incidents to escalate into war was highlighted by the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which remarked that the attack could be indicative of war crimes. Kiir has urged calm, insisting that his government will maintain stability and avoid a return to war.
Accusations linger regarding Machar’s influence over unrest, with his allies claiming he incites violence through affiliations with the ethnic Nuer militia known as the White Army. Following the helicopter attack, Machar’s office issued a statement denouncing the act and underscoring the need for ongoing peace efforts.
The international community has expressed concern about the situation’s deterioration, with warnings from the United Nations Commission on Human Rights regarding South Sudan’s alarming regression. The International Crisis Group cautioned that if the unrest continues, the nation could descend into a broader conflict. Urgent calls for UN peacekeeping preparations reflect fears of potential ethnic violence if the tensions are not swiftly managed.
The situation in South Sudan remains precarious due to recent actions prompting international alarm. The deployment of Ugandan troops reflects the urgency of the situation as previous peace agreements falter amid rising chaos. Enhanced cooperation among leaders is essential to mitigate further armed conflicts. The international community must remain vigilant and proactive in supporting efforts to stabilize South Sudan to prevent a return to civil war.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
