Uganda Deploys Troops to South Sudan Amid Rising Tensions

Uganda has deployed special forces to South Sudan’s capital, Juba, to support President Salva Kiir amid rising tensions with Riek Machar. The Ugandan military chief stated that any aggression against Kiir would be viewed as a declaration of war against Uganda. Tensions have escalated due to recent arrests of Machar’s allies, which threaten the fragile peace deal established in 2018.

Uganda has dispatched special forces to Juba, the capital of South Sudan, as stated by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the military chief of Uganda. This deployment aims to assist President Salva Kiir amid rising tensions with his deputy Riek Machar, prompting concerns regarding the stability of their fragile peace agreement and the potential for renewed conflict.

General Kainerugaba refrained from specifying the reasons for Uganda’s military presence but asserted that any action against President Kiir would be regarded as a declaration of war against Uganda. He emphasized Uganda’s commitment to safeguard South Sudan, declaring, “We shall protect the entire territory of South Sudan like it was our own.”

The South Sudan government has yet to issue a statement regarding Uganda’s troop deployment. The security situation in South Sudan has been deteriorating, leading the United States to order the evacuation of non-emergency personnel from the country. This decision reflects the growing international concern over the escalating tensions.

Recently, the deputy chief of the army and two ministers loyal to Machar were arrested by security forces, which a spokesperson for the opposition labeled as a “grave violation” of the ongoing peace agreement. Following the clashes in Upper Nile state, involving government forces and a militia known as the White Army, one of the detained ministers has been released.

The historical context of this tension traces back to the civil war ignited in 2013 following a power struggle between Kiir and Machar. The conflicts resulted in over 400,000 deaths. Although a power-sharing agreement was implemented in 2018, crucial aspects, such as the adoption of a new constitution, elections, and the reformation of military groups, remain unfulfilled, contributing to ongoing instability in the region.

In conclusion, Uganda’s deployment of military forces to South Sudan underscores the escalating tensions between President Kiir and Vice President Machar. This development raises significant concerns over the fragility of their longstanding peace deal, with fears of a possible return to conflict. The situation is further complicated by recent arrests among Machar’s allies and the international response to the deteriorating security conditions. Without meaningful progress on peace implementation, South Sudan’s stability remains precarious.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk