Uganda Deploys Troops to South Sudan Amid Civil War Fears

Uganda has deployed troops to South Sudan amid fears of civil war as tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar rise. Ugandan military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba declared support for Kiir, warning against any challenges to his authority. The situation has led to violence and UN calls for dialogue, reflecting ongoing regional instability.

As tensions escalate in South Sudan, Uganda has deployed special forces to bolster security in the capital, Juba. The announcement by Uganda’s military chief indicates the nation’s concern over deteriorating relations between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, leading to fears of a civil war. Clashes have already been reported as the fragile power-sharing agreement begins to break down.

The military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, emphasized, “We the UPDF (Ugandan military), only recognise one President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir … Any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda!” This statement reflects Uganda’s commitment to supporting Kiir amidst increasing violence, although details regarding the duration of troop deployment remain unclear.

Recent days have seen sporadic fighting and the South Sudanese government detaining officials aligned with Machar. Reports of fatalities among soldiers and increased clashes with militia forces underscore the potential for renewed conflict. Despite assurances from Kiir that he will prevent a return to war, analysts express serious concerns about the escalating situation.

The United Nations has urged all parties to avoid further violence, calling for immediate dialogue to de-escalate tensions. The involvement of Ugandan troops brings to mind previous interventions during South Sudan’s civil war, highlighting ongoing regional security anxieties, particularly regarding potential refugee flows into Uganda and instability in the area.

In light of these developments, Uganda’s engagement reflects both a strategic military stance and a humanitarian concern, having previously intervened during earlier conflicts in South Sudan. This situation poses continuing challenges not just for the immediate region but for broader geopolitical stability in Africa.

In summary, Uganda’s recent military deployment to South Sudan has intensified as fears of civil war loom due to escalating tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. The Ugandan military’s commitment to supporting Kiir highlights Uganda’s strategic interests in maintaining regional stability, especially given historical precedents for intervention. The international community, particularly the United Nations, has emphasized dialogue over violence to avert further escalation, reinforcing the need for collaborative efforts to stabilize the region.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com