South Sudan defends Uganda’s troop presence as per an old military pact aimed at combating threats like the LRA. The deployment supports President Salva Kiir amidst political tensions, with Uganda reinforcing its military presence. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba declared support for Kiir, warning against actions undermining his authority. The situation is marked by significant local conflict and military movements.
The South Sudanese government has affirmed that Uganda’s military presence is justified under a long-established bilateral military agreement aimed at addressing threats such as the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Minister of Information, Michael Makuei Leuth, emphasized that the recent deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) symbolizes an extension of this longstanding security collaboration rather than a new intervention.
Minister Makuei clarified, “This agreement has not been nullified, but we use it when necessary. The UPDF forces that arrived in Juba are support units and technical units. They have come to support their brothers and sisters in the SSPDF.” Initially, Juba had refuted claims regarding the presence of UPDF forces in South Sudan.
The troop deployment aims to bolster President Salva Kiir’s administration amid escalating political instability highlighted by conflicts involving government forces and the White Army in Upper Nile State, as well as the arrest of significant opposition figures, including SPLA-IO Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, asserted Uganda’s unwavering support for President Kiir, warning that any attempts to jeopardize his position would equate to a declaration of war against Uganda. He stated, “We the UPDF only recognize one President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir… Any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda.”
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Uganda has endorsed the deployment, emphasizing the necessity for stability and conflict prevention. In a recent development, Uganda has dispatched additional troops and heavy artillery to reinforce support for President Kiir, following the capture of the strategic town of Nasir by the White Army, associated with Riek Machar. This involved the use of military aircraft to thwart the White Army’s access to air supplies, underscoring the severity of the conflict. The United Nations and regional entities have yet to comment on Uganda’s rationale for its military presence in South Sudan under the historical anti-LRA pact.
South Sudan maintains that the deployment of Ugandan troops under an established military pact is essential for combating ongoing threats like the LRA and strengthening government ties amid rising political tensions. The situation continues to evolve, with increased military support from Uganda and volatile developments in key strategic locations. The region’s security landscape remains precarious as the UN and other stakeholders monitor developments closely.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
