Uganda has deployed special forces to South Sudan amid rising tensions between President Kiir and First Vice-President Machar. The deployment aims to secure Juba following clashes and the detention of officials linked to Machar, raising concerns over the stability of the 2018 peace deal. Ugandan military leadership has emphasized support for Kiir, while IGAD convenes an urgent summit to address these escalating issues.
Uganda has recently dispatched special forces to the capital of South Sudan, Juba, amidst escalating tensions that threaten the fragile power-sharing agreement established in 2018 between President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar. This development follows the detention of several ministers and senior officials linked to Machar, leading to violent clashes in Nasir, Upper Nile region. Such unrest poses a significant risk to the peace deal that concluded a five-year civil conflict resulting in nearly 400,000 deaths.
Ugandan military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, confirmed the troop deployment on March 10, asserting that their primary mission is to secure Juba amid fears of a potential return to civil war. He further stated through social media that Uganda recognizes Kiir as the legitimate president, warning that any actions against him would be interpreted as a declaration of war on Uganda. The duration of the deployment or whether it was prompted by a request from Kiir remains undisclosed by the Ugandan government.
This military action underscores Uganda’s serious concern regarding regional stability, particularly as tensions escalate within South Sudan. In light of these developments, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), responsible for overseeing the peace agreement, has called for an urgent summit on March 12 to address the escalating crisis threatening to devolve into a full-scale civil war.
In conclusion, Uganda’s deployment of special forces to South Sudan highlights the increasing tensions between President Kiir and First Vice-President Machar. The recent detentions and violent clashes pose a substantial threat to the peace agreement that ended a previous civil conflict. As Uganda’s military chief indicates unwavering support for Kiir, the situation prompts urgent international attention, with IGAD convening to discuss the potential for renewed conflict.
Original Source: northafricapost.com
