South Sudan Upholds Ugandan Troop Deployment Under Military Pact

The South Sudan government justifies Uganda’s military presence in Juba by referencing a historical military pact aimed at combating the LRA. Information Minister Michael Makuei confirmed the deployment of UPDF forces as an extension of long-standing support. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba of Uganda expressed strong backing for President Salva Kiir, warning of severe repercussions against any opposition. The ongoing political and military tensions in South Sudan necessitate this military cooperation, raising further regional concerns.

The government of South Sudan has reaffirmed the legitimacy of Uganda’s military presence in Juba, attributing it to a longstanding bilateral military agreement aimed at combating threats like the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Minister of Information Michael Makuei Leuth emphasized that the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) deployment, under Operation ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya’, represents an extension rather than a new intervention within the existing security arrangement initiated years ago.

Makuei affirmed, “The government of South Sudan and the government of Uganda have a military pact that was signed since the time of LRA.” He clarified that the deployment consists of support and technical units intended to assist the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF). Prior to this acknowledgment, reports of UPDF’s presence had been publicly denied by Juba.

This military mobilization is particularly significant given the rising political unrest in South Sudan, specifically against President Salva Kiir, who faces tensions with First Vice President Riek Machar. The situation has been exacerbated by clashes between government forces and opposition groups, highlighted by the recent capture of the strategic town of Nasir by the White Army associated with Machar, and the assault on a UN helicopter.

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, recently expressed unwavering support for Kiir, indicating that opposition to him would be interpreted as a declaration of war against Uganda. He stated, “We the UPDF (Ugandan military) only recognize one President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir… Any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda.”

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus of Uganda has passed a resolution affirming the deployment, promoting the necessity to restore stability within South Sudan. In further support, Uganda has dispatched additional troops and heavy artillery. The White Army’s recent tactical moves raise concerns, as the army reportedly utilized airstrikes to deny supplies to the insurgent group. The United Nations and regional stakeholders have not yet issued a response regarding Uganda’s justification for its military presence under the previous anti-LRA agreement.

In conclusion, the South Sudanese government maintains that Uganda’s military presence is justified under a longstanding bilateral agreement to combat negative forces such as the LRA. This deployment aims to reinforce President Salva Kiir’s administration amid escalating political tensions with opposition factions, particularly the White Army. Prominent Ugandan officials, including General Muhoozi, have expressed unconditional support for Kiir, framing opposition to him as a potential act of aggression towards Uganda. As the situation remains dynamic, international responses to this military alignment are awaited.

Original Source: chimpreports.com