Uganda has dispatched special forces to Juba, South Sudan, to support President Salva Kiir amid rising tensions with his deputy Riek Machar. The deployment reflects fears that the fragile peace deal may collapse. General Kainerugaba has asserted that Uganda will protect South Sudan’s territory, while recent arrests of Machar’s allies signal further discord in the region. Security concerns prompted the U.S. to evacuate non-emergency staff.
Uganda has recently deployed special forces to Juba, the capital of South Sudan, with the intention of assisting President Salva Kiir in securing the region. The announcement was made by Uganda’s military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, amid rising tensions between Kiir and his deputy, Riek Machar. The situation has led to concerns that the already fragile peace agreement between the two leaders could collapse, potentially reigniting conflict in South Sudan.
General Kainerugaba did not specify the exact reasons for the troop deployment, but emphasized that any actions taken against President Kiir would be perceived as a declaration of war against Uganda. He declared, “We shall protect the entire territory of South Sudan like it was our own,” signaling Uganda’s commitment to safeguarding its neighbor. As of now, the South Sudanese government has not issued any official comments regarding Uganda’s military presence.
The security situation in South Sudan has prompted increasing international concern, leading the United States to order the evacuation of all non-emergency staff from the country. This heightened state of alert follows the recent arrests of the deputy chief of the army and two ministers associated with Machar by South Sudanese security forces. One minister has since been released, while opposition representatives have labeled the arrests a “grave violation” of the existing peace agreement.
Previously, there were violent clashes in the Upper Nile state involving government forces and a militia known as the White Army, which had previously supported Machar during the civil war ignited in 2013 due to power struggles. The conflict resulted in extensive casualties, with over 400,000 lives lost. Although a power-sharing agreement was established in 2018, many critical components of the deal, such as a new constitution and the consolidation of armed groups into a unified army, have yet to be realized.
In summary, Uganda’s recent deployment of special forces to South Sudan is a strategic maneuver to support President Salva Kiir amid escalating tensions with Riek Machar. The ongoing instability has raised fears of a potential return to conflict, particularly following arrests and violent clashes in the region. As international concern grows, the effectiveness of the existing peace agreements remains in question, stressing the need for implementation of critical components to ensure long-term stability.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
