Uganda Sends Troops to South Sudan Amid Escalating Tensions

Uganda has sent special forces to Juba, South Sudan, to aid President Salva Kiir amid escalating tensions with his deputy Riek Machar. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba stated that any action against Kiir would be seen as a war declaration against Uganda. Concerns for security in South Sudan have risen, leading the US to evacuate non-emergency staff from the country.

Uganda has deployed special forces in Juba, South Sudan, with the intention of supporting President Salva Kiir. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the military chief, emphasized the importance of safeguarding the capital amid rising tensions between Kiir and his deputy, Riek Machar. This military action arises from fears that the fragile peace agreement could collapse and spark a renewed conflict between the two factions.

General Kainerugaba did not clarify the reasons for the troop deployment but asserted that any opposition to Kiir would be viewed as a declaration of war against Uganda. He expressed Uganda’s commitment to protecting South Sudan’s territory as if it were its own, stating this on the social media platform X.

The South Sudanese government has yet to issue an official statement regarding Uganda’s troop movements. Concerns over the country’s security have escalated, prompting the United States to order the evacuation of all non-emergency personnel from South Sudan.

Last week, multiple arrests were made, including that of the deputy chief of the army and two ministers associated with Machar, which an opposition spokesperson labeled as a serious violation of the peace agreement. Although one minister has since been released, the situation remains volatile following recent clashes in the Upper Nile state involving government forces and a militia allied with Machar.

This conflict has its roots in a civil war that began in 2013, ignited by a power struggle between Kiir and Machar, resulting in over 400,000 deaths. While a power-sharing arrangement was established in 2018 to quell the violence, significant parts of this agreement have yet to be fulfilled, including the formulation of a new constitution and the unification of armed factions.

The deployment of Ugandan forces to South Sudan highlights the ongoing instability and fragility of the current government structure. As tensions between President Salva Kiir and his deputy Riek Machar escalate, international concerns, including a US evacuation order, signify urgent calls for stability. The historical context of civil conflict and the unmet stipulations of the peace agreement underscore the precarious situation in South Sudan that may necessitate continued international vigilance and intervention.

Original Source: www.bbc.com