Uganda has deployed special forces in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, due to rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. Recent government actions, including the detention of officials allied with Machar, have escalated fears of a potential return to civil war, jeopardizing the 2018 peace agreement. The Ugandan military has stated its recognition of Kiir’s presidency and expressed concerns about regional stability.
Uganda’s military chief has announced the deployment of special forces in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, amidst escalating tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, raising fears of a potential return to civil war. Tensions heightened following the government’s detention of two ministers and several senior military officers associated with Machar, with one minister having been released subsequently.
The recent arrests in Juba, along with violent confrontations near the northern town of Nasir, threaten the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement that concluded a previous five-year civil conflict, which resulted in nearly 400,000 fatalities. Uganda’s military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, disclosed the deployment via social media, emphasizing Uganda’s recognition of Salva Kiir as the legitimate president of South Sudan.
Kainerugaba asserted, “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.” Government officials in South Sudan did not respond to requests for comments regarding the situation.
Following the outbreak of civil war in South Sudan in 2013, Uganda initially sent troops to Juba to support Kiir’s government against Machar and withdrew in 2015. A further deployment occurred in 2016 amid renewed hostilities, followed by another withdrawal. Uganda is concerned that further conflict in South Sudan could lead to a refugee influx, resulting in instability at its borders. Kainerugaba did not confirm if the deployment was made at Kiir’s request or specify the duration of the troop presence.
In summary, Uganda has deployed special forces in Juba in light of rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. The situation has been exacerbated by recent arrests and violent clashes, undermining the existing peace deal. Uganda’s military leadership asserts support for Kiir, while concerns about regional stability and refugee movements persist. The nature and duration of Uganda’s involvement in South Sudan remain ambiguous.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
