Dr. Riek Machar Critiques Ugandan Military Intervention in South Sudan

Dr. Riek Machar of South Sudan has condemned Uganda’s military intervention, considering it a violation of sovereignty and international agreements. He has called for the withdrawal of Ugandan troops and has accused them of engaging in airstrikes against civilians. In contrast, South Sudan’s government defends the presence under an existing military pact. The operation, Mlinzi wa Kimya, is commanded by Brig. Gen. Lukwago and has raised concerns about the potential collapse of peace agreements in South Sudan.

Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, South Sudan’s First Vice President, has formally criticized the presence of Ugandan military forces in South Sudan. In a letter dated March 21, 2025, addressed to key international figures including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, he labeled the intervention as a breach of national sovereignty and international accords, urging for the withdrawal of Ugandan troops from South Sudan.

Machar emphasized that the Ugandan military’s actions violate the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan and the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities. Additionally, he cited breaches of UN Security Council Resolutions 2428 and 2731, which prohibit foreign military support associated with arms embargoes. Allegations were made regarding Ugandan forces engaging in airstrikes against civilians in the Upper Nile and Jonglei states.

Conversely, Michael Makuei Leuth, South Sudan’s Minister of Information, defended the Ugandan deployment, describing it as part of Operation Mlinzi wa Kimya, referencing a longstanding military agreement established during the conflict with the Lord’s Resistance Army. He affirmed that the troops arrived as supportive units, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining regional stability.

Operation Mlinzi wa Kimya commenced on March 11, 2025, involving elite Ugandan special operations forces entering through Juba International Airport. Brig. Gen. Anthony Mbuusi Lukwago leads this operation, which has been reinforced by additional task force elements stationed at strategic locations along the Uganda-South Sudan border.

Machar has dismissed the validity of an older Status of Forces Agreement between Uganda and the previous South Sudan government, asserting that it lacks endorsement from the current Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity. He urged that the Revitalized Agreement mandates the departure of all foreign armed groups while promoting resolution through internal mechanisms, such as the Joint Defence Board.

In his letter, Machar appealed to President Yoweri Museveni, calling upon him to act as a mediator rather than a military entity and emphasized the need for sustainable peace and democratic processes in South Sudan. He expressed concern that the Ugandan military actions could jeopardize the fragile peace agreement, warning that ongoing violence could threaten the nation’s stability.

To mitigate the situation, Machar requested intervention from the IGAD, the African Union Peace and Security Council, and the UN Security Council to ensure the withdrawal of Ugandan troops, reiterating his commitment to resolving conflicts through dialogue supported by international partners.

The tension surrounding Uganda’s military presence in South Sudan illustrates deep-rooted concerns regarding sovereignty and international protocol. Dr. Machar’s urgent appeal to international bodies highlights the precarious nature of peace in South Sudan and the necessity for diplomatic channels to address such disputes. The contrasting views between South Sudanese officials further complicate the matter, signaling an urgent need for collaborative efforts to ensure stability in the region.

Original Source: chimpreports.com