Uganda Deploys Special Forces in South Sudan Amid Rising Tensions

Uganda has deployed special forces in Juba, South Sudan, to enhance security amidst growing tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. The situation escalated after the government detained key officials aligned with Machar, risking the fragile 2018 peace deal that ended the previous civil war. The deployment underscores Uganda’s commitment to support Kiir amid fears of instability in the region.

Uganda’s military chief announced on Tuesday that special forces have been deployed in the South Sudanese capital of Juba. This action aims to enhance security amid escalating tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, raising concerns over a possible resurgence of civil war.

Recent developments in South Sudan have fueled these tensions, particularly following the detention of two ministers and several senior military personnel affiliated with Machar by Kiir’s government. Although one minister has been released, the situation remains precarious, especially with clashes occurring near the northern town of Nasir.

The recent arrests and violent incidents cast doubt on the durability of the 2018 peace agreement that concluded a devastating civil war, which resulted in nearly 400,000 fatalities. In a series of posts on the X platform, Uganda’s military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, confirmed the deployment, asserting that Uganda acknowledges only Salva Kiir as South Sudan’s legitimate president.

Kainerugaba emphasized that any aggression against President Kiir would be perceived as an act of war against Uganda itself. Despite efforts to reach South Sudanese officials for comments, calls to the government information minister and military spokesperson went unanswered.

Previous to this deployment, Uganda had sent troops to Juba following the outbreak of civil war in 2013, supporting Kiir’s forces against Machar. While these troops were withdrawn in 2015, further deployments occurred in 2016 amidst renewed fighting, though they too were eventually retracted.

Uganda is particularly wary of a potential escalation in South Sudan, fearing that it might trigger an influx of refugees and instigate regional instability. Kainerugaba did not clarify whether the current troop deployment was at the behest of Kiir’s administration or the anticipated duration of their stay in South Sudan.

In summary, Uganda has deployed special forces to Juba amidst rising tensions between South Sudan’s leadership, highlighting concerns over a possible return to civil conflict. The Ugandan military emphasizes its support for President Kiir, aiming to maintain stability in the region while fearing the consequences of unrest, including refugee crises. The future of this deployment remains uncertain as communication with South Sudanese officials remains unresponsive.

Original Source: www.voanews.com