Uganda has deployed special forces to Juba, South Sudan, due to rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. Recent clashes following a UN helicopter attack raised concerns over a fragile peace agreement. The Ugandan government asserts commitment to protect South Sudan, while officials from both sides strive to stabilize the situation amidst warnings of escalating violence.
The Ugandan army chief announced the deployment of special forces to South Sudan’s capital, Juba, amid escalating tensions that jeopardize a fragile peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. This decision follows a week of clashes between factions loyal to both leaders. “As of 2 days ago, our Special Forces units entered Juba to secure it,” stated Ugandan army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, asserting the commitment to protect South Sudan as if it were their own territory.
Ugandan army spokesman Felix Kulayigye confirmed troop deployment in Juba “to protect the government,” following directives to ensure stability in the capital. Uganda had previously intervened in South Sudan in 2013 during the onset of civil war, supporting President Kiir before withdrawing in 2015. However, ongoing violent episodes since then threaten the 2018 power-sharing agreement.
Tensions escalated recently after a UN helicopter was attacked during a failed mission to rescue South Sudanese military personnel, leading to casualties, including a general. The UN Mission in South Sudan labeled the attack potentially as a war crime. In response to the unrest, President Kiir assured citizens that the country would not revert to war and pledged to uphold peace amidst mounting pressures.
Kiir’s administration accused Machar’s forces of instigating violence in collaboration with an armed group called the White Army. Machar’s office condemned the helicopter strike, labeling it “barbaric” and stating a commitment to restoring peace in the region by engaging with all relevant stakeholders. Meanwhile, international bodies expressed concern over South Sudan’s troubling regression.
The United Nations Commission on Human Rights warned of a significant deterioration in the situation that could jeopardize years of progress. The International Crisis Group cautioned that South Sudan is on the verge of returning to full-scale war, highlighting the urgent need for UN intervention to prevent potential ethnic violence.
In summary, the deployment of Ugandan troops to South Sudan signifies significant concern about ongoing violence that threatens a precarious power-sharing agreement between the nation’s leaders. As clashes persist, both international organizations and local authorities emphasize the need for stability, pointing to the severe repercussions of a resurgence in conflict. The situation remains critical as both local and global stakeholders strive to prevent further deterioration.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
