Uganda Deploys Troops in South Sudan Amid Civil War Concerns

Uganda has deployed special forces in South Sudan amid rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, which threaten to escalate into civil war. The Ugandan military stated its forces are in Juba to secure the capital. This action echoes Uganda’s previous interventions during South Sudan’s civil war, highlighting fears of instability and refugee influx.

Uganda has recently deployed special forces in South Sudan, amid escalating tensions and fears that the country may descend into civil war. The military chief from Kampala announced this move to help “secure” Juba, responding to increasing hostilities between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, as their power-sharing agreement deteriorates and violence ignites.

In a series of posts on X, Muhoozi Kainerugaba reported that “as of two days ago, our Special Forces units entered Juba to secure it.” He emphasized that the Ugandan military recognizes only President Salva Kiir and warned that any aggression against him would be confronted decisively.

The nature and duration of the Ugandan military presence in Juba remain unspecified, as it is unclear if Uganda’s support was requested. Sporadic fighting has erupted in South Sudan recently, raising concerns about the potential for renewed conflict between Kiir and Machar, stemming from their 2018 peace deal that ended a five-year civil war. Last week, Kiir’s government detained two ministers and several senior officials allied with Machar amid violence.

The sirens of conflict were echoed by analysts who warned of a looming risk of renewed warfare. Following clashes that led to numerous casualties, the United Nations issued a call for all parties to avoid violence and for leaders to engage in dialogue. They stressed the need for urgent measures to improve the security situation, particularly in Nasir.

The presence of Ugandan troops is reminiscent of prior interventions during the South Sudanese civil war, notably in 2013 when Kampala sent soldiers to aid Kiir. Although these forces were withdrawn in 2015, they re-entered in 2016 due to escalated violence. Uganda’s fears of potential mass refugee flows and regional instability further underscore the gravity of this situation, particularly as the country faces threats from rebel groups along its eastern border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In summary, Uganda’s deployment of troops to South Sudan comes in response to intensifying tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, as fears of civil war loom large. The move aims to support the security of Juba and prevent a resurgence of violence. The situation underscores concerns about regional stability and the impact of renewed conflict on both nations.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com