The Ugandan army chief has announced the deployment of special forces to South Sudan’s capital, Juba, as tensions rise due to clashes between government factions. The situation, deteriorating since a recent helicopter attack involving UN personnel, has prompted fears of a return to civil conflict, leading to international concern and calls for peacekeeping efforts.
Ugandan special forces have recently been deployed to Juba, the capital of South Sudan, amidst heightening tensions that risk destabilizing the fragile peace pact between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. This announcement was made by the Ugandan army chief on a social platform, citing the need to secure the area. The Ugandan army spokesman later confirmed the deployment aimed at protecting the South Sudanese government.
Historically, Uganda had intervened in South Sudan during the civil war beginning in 2013, supporting Kiir’s administration until withdrawing in 2015. The 2018 power-sharing agreement aimed to resolve conflict between Kiir and Machar but has recently been jeopardized due to violent clashes in the Upper Nile State. A recent incident, involving an attack on a UN helicopter, intensified these concerns as it resulted in fatalities among South Sudanese army members.
Amidst rising turmoil, President Kiir has urged citizens to maintain calm, emphasizing his commitment to peace and stability. Meanwhile, accusations have surfaced against Machar’s forces for instigating violence, with his office condemning the helicopter assault as barbaric while prioritizing peace restoration efforts.
The ongoing instability has drawn grave international attention, with the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan expressing alarm over the regression in peace and stability, warning of a potential return to war. The International Crisis Group has echoed these concerns, urging the UN to prepare peacekeeping forces to safeguard civilians, fearing ethnic violence could escalate if the situation deteriorates further.
The deployment of Ugandan troops to South Sudan’s Juba highlights the precarious situation in the region amid escalating tensions between governmental factions. The historical context of previous interventions underscores the ongoing instability despite prior peace agreements. Calls for international intervention reflect the urgent need to address the potential for renewed violence and safeguard the fragile peace that remains.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
