UPDF Confirms Troop Deployment in South Sudan Amid Rising Tensions

The UPDF has deployed special forces to South Sudan to reinforce President Kiir’s government amidst rising tensions with opposition forces led by Riek Machar. The deployment lacks parliamentary approval, raising legal concerns about intervention. Increased violence has prompted the South Sudan government to detain several officials aligned with Machar, posing a threat to the 2018 peace agreement.

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) spokesperson has confirmed the deployment of special forces to South Sudan in support of President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s government. The specifics regarding the conditions of this deployment remain ambiguous, particularly due to the absence of public approval from Uganda’s parliament. In recent weeks, tensions have escalated between Kiir’s forces and those of Riek Machar, the First Vice President leading the opposition.

Last week, militias loyal to Machar captured the town of Nasir in Upper Nile State, resulting in significant casualties, including the death of a commander from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF). In response, Kiir’s administration has intensified actions against Machar’s supporters, detaining several individuals, including the Petroleum Minister and multiple senior military officials. These actions have sparked renewed concerns regarding the stability of the 2018 peace agreement that concluded a five-year civil conflict.

In an exclusive interview, UPDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye explained the deployment aims to support South Sudan due to escalating insecurity, benefiting both Ugandans and South Sudanese. When questioned about the legal framework governing this intervention, he noted that without an agreement between the two nations, it could be deemed an invasion. Brig. Gen. Kulayigye also mentioned that the operation would persist as long as security threats remain present, without disclosing troop numbers.

This confirmation followed a statement from Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announcing on social media that UPDF commandos had arrived in Juba and that Operation ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya’ had commenced. SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang refrained from commenting on this development, while attempts to reach South Sudan’s Information Minister, Michael Makuei, were unsuccessful. Historically, Uganda has played a critical role in South Sudan’s conflicts, including interventions during the tumultuous civil unrest since 2013 that was initiated by disputes between Kiir and Machar.

In summary, the deployment of UPDF troops to South Sudan marks a significant development amid escalating tensions between political factions. The move has generated controversy due to the lack of parliamentary approval and raises legal questions regarding intervention. As the situation unfolds, the UPDF’s presence aims to stabilize the increasingly fragile environment following years of conflict and unrest.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org