UPA Critiques South Sudan Govt for Engaging Ugandan Army Amid Conflicts

The UPA has denounced the South Sudan government’s invitation to the UPDF, asserting it risks escalating violence. The UPA demands the withdrawal of foreign troops and emphasizes national solidarity against government suppression. Recent tensions between rival factions raise serious concerns about the stability of the peace agreement that ended the civil war in 2018.

The leadership of the United People’s Alliance (UPA) has strongly criticized the South Sudanese government for its decision to invite the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) amid ongoing conflicts in Upper Nile, Western Bahr el Ghazal, and Western Equatoria states. The UPA, comprising various opposition groups, aims to unite against perceived governmental mismanagement and has recently held peace discussions in Kenya. Their Chairperson, General Pa’gan Amum Okiech, emphasizes the urgent need for stability in South Sudan.

In a press statement, UPA Secretary General Lual Dau pointed out that South Sudan is experiencing a critical situation as citizens rise against the government amid escalating economic and political crises. He accused the ruling party in Juba of intentionally seeking to escalate the conflict, stating that the invitation of foreign troops to South Sudan indicates a deliberate plan to reignite war, undermining the peace agreement.

The UPA has called for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops from South Sudan unless mandated by the United Nations, appealing to both regional entities and the international community to avoid actions that could worsen the situation. They urged opposition groups and citizens to oppose the government’s strategy of employing foreign troops to suppress dissent.

On the recent statements made by Ugandan military officials about the UPDF’s deployment to protect President Salva Kiir, South Sudan’s Information Minister, Michael Makuei, denied such claims, while a UPDF spokesman confirmed the presence of special forces. The specifics regarding this deployment remain uncertain, lacking public authorization from Uganda’s parliament.

Recent tensions have surged between Kiir’s forces and those loyal to First Vice President Riek Machar. Following violent incidents, including the capture of the town of Nasir by Machar’s loyalists, Kiir’s government has intensified crackdowns on Machar’s supporters, leading to several high-profile detentions. These actions underscore growing concerns regarding the fragile status of the peace agreement established in 2018 that ended a brutal civil war.

The United People’s Alliance condemns the South Sudanese government’s decision to invite the Ugandan military, asserting it presents a direct threat to national stability. Amid rising tensions and political turmoil, the UPA emphasizes the need for stability and the withdrawal of foreign troops not sanctioned by the UN. The ongoing conflict between government forces and those aligned with the First Vice President poses significant risks to the current peace agreement, warranting urgent attention from both regional and international stakeholders.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org