Dr. Riek Machar has called for UN, AU, and IGAD intervention regarding Uganda’s military presence in South Sudan, warning it may threaten the 2018 peace agreement. He accuses Uganda of deploying troops unlawfully and conducting airstrikes against civilians. Machar emphasized the need for mediation to ensure the peace agreement is upheld amidst rising tensions and potential civil conflict.
Dr. Riek Machar, the First Vice-President of South Sudan, has formally requested intervention from the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) concerning the military presence of Uganda in South Sudan. He expressed concerns that Uganda’s actions could jeopardize the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement, aimed at stabilizing the region.
In a letter dated March 23, which has been made available to Radio Tamazuj, Dr. Machar accused Uganda of deploying troops without the consent of South Sudan’s transitional government, thus violating international accords. The letter was directed to significant figures including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, AU Peace and Security Commissioner Bankole Adeoye, and IGAD Chairman Ismail Omar Guelleh.
Dr. Machar, who leads the SPLM/A-IO opposition group, pointed out that Uganda’s military presence contravenes the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS) that requires foreign forces to withdraw. He specifically referenced breaches of Articles 2.1.5 and 2.1.7, along with a ceasefire agreement from 2017, in his assertions. Additionally, he accused Ugandan forces of conducting airstrikes in Upper Nile and Jonglei states, allegedly targeting civilians.
Amid these tensions, Dr. Machar warned that the situation has the potential to hinder South Sudan’s already delayed transition to democracy. He urged that the UN Security Council, AU, and IGAD engage in mediation efforts. He noted, “Uganda was a key guarantor of the peace agreement. We expected President [Yoweri] Museveni to support its implementation, not undermine it.”
Uganda first sent troops to South Sudan in 2014 based on a bilateral agreement with the former government; however, Dr. Machar stated that the current administration did not ratify this agreement, making their presence unlawful per the 2018 peace agreement. The UN has maintained an arms embargo on South Sudan since 2018, raising further concerns regarding the entry of Ugandan forces with heavy weaponry.
Recently, Uganda deployed special forces amid fears that South Sudan might revert to civil war, with Uganda’s military chief asserting that troops were sent to help in securing Juba and supporting President Salva Kiir. Notably, tensions between President Kiir and Mr. Machar have intensified as their power-sharing arrangement appears to be faltering, resulting in recent clashes.
Dr. Riek Machar’s urgent request for international intervention highlights significant concerns surrounding Uganda’s military presence in South Sudan, reflecting potential threats to the 2018 peace agreement. The allegations of violations and aggression, alongside the call for mediation from respected international bodies, underscore the precarious situation facing South Sudan. It is crucial for relevant organizations to address these allegations to maintain stability in the region.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
