Uganda Deploys Special Forces to South Sudan Amid Rising Tensions

Uganda has deployed special forces in Juba, South Sudan, to secure the city amid rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. Recent detentions of officials allied to Machar threaten the peace established by a 2018 agreement. The move reflects Uganda’s concerns over regional instability and a potential refugee crisis.

Uganda’s military chief has confirmed the deployment of special forces in the South Sudan capital, Juba, to enhance security amidst escalating tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. The unrest has been exacerbated by the recent detention of two ministers and senior military officials supportive of Machar, raising concerns over the fragility of the 2018 peace agreement that ended a five-year civil war.

The military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announced through social media that Ugandan Special Forces have arrived in Juba to maintain order. He emphasized that Uganda recognizes President Kiir as the legitimate leader and warned, “any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda.”

Previous Ugandan military interventions in South Sudan had occurred during earlier conflicts, notably after civil war broke out in 2013. Troops were deployed to support Kiir’s government but were withdrawn in subsequent years after some stabilization. Currently, Uganda is concerned that ongoing unrest could lead to a refugee crisis while lacking clarity on the nature of its recent military presence in South Sudan.

Kainerugaba did not clarify whether his forces were sent at the request of Kiir’s administration or how long they would remain deployed.

In summary, Uganda’s military has deployed special forces to South Sudan amidst rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. The situation has become precarious following the detention of key officials, raising fears about the stability of a critical peace agreement. Uganda’s intervention reflects its concerns about potential regional instability and refugee flows, although details regarding the deployment’s duration and authorization remain unclear.

Original Source: theprint.in