Riek Machar Calls for UN Action Over Uganda’s Military Presence in South Sudan

Dr. Riek Machar, South Sudan’s First Vice-President, has urged the UN, AU, and IGAD to intervene regarding Uganda’s military presence in South Sudan, claiming it threatens the 2018 peace deal. He accuses Uganda of violating international agreements and conducting airstrikes on civilians, arguing that their deployment is unlawful under the current government. Machar warns that this situation could hinder South Sudan’s transition to democracy and requests mediation efforts to avert further conflict.

Dr. Riek Machar, the First Vice-President of South Sudan, has urged intervention from the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) regarding the presence of Ugandan forces in South Sudan, which he warns could jeopardize the fragile 2018 peace agreement. In a letter dated March 23, Machar alleged that Uganda’s deployment of troops contravenes international agreements and lacks approval from South Sudan’s transitional government.

Machar, who is the leader of the SPLM/A-IO opposition group, stated that Uganda’s military presence violates provisions of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS), which requires the exit of foreign military forces. Specifically, he cited violations of Articles 2.1.5 and 2.1.7, along with a ceasefire agreement established in 2017. Additionally, he accused Uganda of conducting airstrikes in various regions, allegedly targeting civilian populations, while Uganda has yet to provide any public response.

In his correspondence, Machar cautioned that the situation could hinder South Sudan’s delayed move towards democracy and has called for mediation efforts by the UN Security Council, AU, and IGAD. He noted, “Uganda was a key guarantor of the peace agreement… we expected President [Yoweri] Museveni to support its implementation, not undermine it.”

Uganda’s military involvement began in 2014, originally under a bilateral accord with the previous government; however, Machar argued that the current government never ratified this agreement, thus rendering Uganda’s presence unlawful as per the 2018 peace accord. The UN has upheld an arms embargo on South Sudan since 2018, raising concerns about how Ugandan forces have entered South Sudan equipped with heavy weaponry. Recently, Uganda has dispatched special forces amid apprehensions of a potential resurgence of civil conflict within South Sudan. Uganda’s military leadership indicated that these troops were deployed to help “secure” Juba and support President Salva Kiir, in light of escalating tensions and clashes between his administration and Machar’s faction.

Dr. Riek Machar’s plea for UN involvement underscores concerns regarding Uganda’s military presence in South Sudan, highlighting potential violations of peace agreements. While questioning the legality of Uganda’s troop deployment, he warns of detrimental effects on the country’s journey towards democracy and stability. Moreover, escalating tensions between rival political factions accentuate the urgent need for international mediation to prevent a return to violent conflict.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org