Ugandan special forces have been deployed to Juba, South Sudan’s capital, amid escalating tensions and concerns for a fragile peace agreement. The deployment, announced by army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, seeks to secure the region and support the government against recent unrest fueled by clashes among political factions.
On Tuesday, the Ugandan army chief announced the deployment of special forces to Juba, South Sudan’s capital, in response to escalating tensions endangering an existing peace agreement. South Sudan has endured prolonged political turmoil and instability, with recent violent confrontations between factions supporting its leadership intensifying these concerns.
Ugandan army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba confirmed on X that the special forces had arrived to secure the city, stating, “As of 2 days ago, our Special Forces units entered Juba to secure it.” He further declared, “We shall protect the entire territory of South Sudan like it was our own,” emphasizing Uganda’s commitment to regional stability.
Army spokesman Felix Kulayigye confirmed the troops’ mission is to safeguard the government, affirming, “We had instructions to deploy and we deployed the troops there.” He indicated that the deployment had occurred two days prior, underscoring Uganda’s proactive stance amid unrest.
Uganda initially sent troops to South Sudan in 2013 during the outbreak of a civil war, supporting President Salva Kiir. The official withdrawal came in 2015, following a shaky power-sharing agreement in 2018 between Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, which had pacified the conflict until recent outbreaks of violence in Upper Nile State.
Allegations that Machar’s forces, alongside the ethnic Nuer group known as the White Army, are inciting violence have been raised. The increasing turbulence has drawn global attention, with the United Nations Commission on Human Rights warning of an “alarming regression” in South Sudan and the International Crisis Group indicating that the nation is quickly heading toward a renewed war situation.
The Ugandan army’s deployment of special forces to South Sudan’s capital aims to stabilize a country facing significant unrest and political insecurity. The situation reflects a broader concern regarding the fragile peace agreements in the region and the potential for renewed conflict. International organizations are closely monitoring developments, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to prevent a regression into civil war.
Original Source: thedefensepost.com
