Uganda has sent special military forces to South Sudan to secure Juba amid ongoing political tensions and ethnic conflicts. This intervention follows a history of conflict and instability in the region, which witnessed a civil war from 2013 to 2018. Special Military Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba emphasized Uganda’s commitment to supporting President Kiir, amidst conflicting reports about the military presence.
South Sudan declared its independence in 2011 following several decades of resistance against the Arabization and Islamization policies imposed by Khartoum. Nonetheless, the nation continues to experience significant political and ethnic divisions. Recently, Uganda dispatched special military forces to South Sudan to stabilize the capital, Juba, amidst renewed clashes between the White Army, previously allied with opposition leader Machar, and government forces.
The political situation is precarious as South Sudan progressed through a civil war from 2013 to 2018, resulting in over 400,000 fatalities. Despite a peace agreement signed between President Salva Kiir and rival Riek Machar in 2018, unrest persists. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Special Military Chief of Uganda, confirmed the deployment of Ugandan forces, stating, “As of two days ago, our Special Forces units entered Juba to secure it.”
Kainerugaba issued a stern warning against any opposition to President Kiir, asserting, “We the UPDF (Ugandan military), only recognize one President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir … any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda.” The involvement of regional powers has been a recurring theme in various conflicts across Africa, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia.
Uganda previously stationed troops in South Sudan during the civil war to support Kiir’s government against Machar’s forces, although these forces were withdrawn in 2015. The potential economic benefits from South Sudan’s rich resources, such as oil and minerals, underscore the importance of stability in the region, which is crucial for both nations.
In contrast to other international interventions, Uganda’s objective is to foster stability within South Sudan and avert a humanitarian crisis stemming from further unrest. However, conflicting statements from South Sudanese officials regarding the Ugandan deployment create uncertainty, despite evidence from various media outlets corroborating Uganda’s military presence. As developments unfold, the situation remains fluid and requires close monitoring.
In summary, Uganda’s military intervention in South Sudan is aimed at securing stability amidst ongoing conflicts and political tensions. The deployment reflects Uganda’s support for Kiir’s administration against anti-government forces while highlighting the complex dynamics of regional power involvement in Africa. Stability in South Sudan is paramount not only for its residents but also for the broader economic prospects of both South Sudan and Uganda. The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing developments needing vigilant observation.
Original Source: moderntokyotimes.com
