Ugandan special forces have been dispatched to Juba, South Sudan, due to escalating tensions threatening a fragile peace agreement. The army chief affirmed the commitment to protect South Sudan’s territory, while tensions increased following a deadly attack on a UN helicopter. Concerns over a resurgence of conflict in South Sudan grow among international observers, warning of possible ethnic violence.
Uganda’s army chief has announced the deployment of special forces to South Sudan’s capital, Juba, to address rising tensions that endanger the fragile peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. Concerns escalated following recent clashes in northeastern South Sudan, intensifying the political instability the nation has historically faced.
Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Ugandan army chief, stated, “As of 2 days ago, our Special Forces units entered Juba to secure it,” emphasizing the commitment to protect South Sudan’s territory. The Ugandan army spokesman confirmed troop deployment aimed at safeguarding the government following directives received.
Previously, Uganda sent troops to South Sudan in 2013 at the onset of a civil war supported by Kiir before withdrawing in 2015. Though a power-sharing deal was established in 2018, recent violence, particularly following an assault on a UN helicopter during a rescue attempt, has threatened that peace. The UN Mission in South Sudan noted the incident may represent a war crime.
President Kiir has urged citizens to remain calm, asserting his government’s commitment to peace. Kiir condemned lawlessness, stating, “Let no one take law into their hands,” while his allies accused Machar’s forces of inciting unrest in cooperation with militia groups. Machar’s office termed the helicopter attack as “barbaric” and reiterated their priority to restore peace in the region.
International observers have expressed alarm over the escalating violence in South Sudan, with the UN Commission on Human Rights warning of a potential “alarming regression.” The International Crisis Group cautioned that South Sudan may be rapidly heading towards a new war, advocating for UN intervention to protect civilians from possible ethnic massacres.
The deployment of Ugandan troops to South Sudan underscores the ongoing fragility of the peace agreement between President Kiir and Vice President Machar amidst rising tensions and violence. While leaders call for calm and peace restoration, international concerns about potential regression into further conflict continue to mount highlighting the precarious political climate.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
