Amid escalating tensions in South Sudan and fears of renewed civil war, Uganda has deployed special forces to secure the capital, Juba. The deployment seeks to support President Salva Kiir amidst clashes with Vice President Riek Machar, while the United Nations calls for urgent dialogue to prevent further violence.
Uganda has deployed special forces in South Sudan as tensions escalate, raising concerns of a potential civil war. This deployment, announced by Kampala’s military chief, aims to secure Juba, the capital of South Sudan, amidst worsening clashes between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar due to a crumbling power-sharing agreement.
Muhoozi Kainerugaba stated on social media, “as of two days ago, our Special Forces units entered Juba to secure it”. He emphasized the commitment of the Ugandan military to support President Kiir, asserting that any opposition to him would be regarded as a declaration of war against Uganda.
The duration of the deployment remains unclear, and it is uncertain if Uganda’s assistance was formally requested by Kiir. Recent skirmishes suggest a resurgence of conflict, jeopardizing the peace established by a 2018 agreement ending a five-year civil war between Kiir and Machar.
In an alarming development, Kiir’s government has detained ministers and military officials associated with Machar, while reports indicate significant casualties in fighting between the South Sudanese army and allied militias. Analysts caution that the region might be on the brink of renewed warfare despite Kiir’s assurances against such a return.
The United Nations has called for restraint among all parties involved and has urged swift dialogue to defuse mounting tensions. This intervention by Ugandan forces recalls past instances during earlier conflicts in 2013, 2015, and 2016, when troops were mobilized in South Sudan to support Kiir against escalating violence.
Uganda’s involvement is viewed as a strategic move to curb potential refugee flows and prevent regional instability, especially as tensions continue to rise in neighboring countries like the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to ongoing rebel conflicts supported by Rwanda.
In summary, Uganda’s military intervention in South Sudan highlights the increasing tensions between the country’s leadership and the looming threat of renewed civil war. The dialogue and resolutions proposed by international entities, along with Uganda’s historical involvement in South Sudan, reflect the complexity and fragility of the region’s peace. The situation demands close observation as it develops, particularly its implications for regional stability and refugee movements.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
