Uganda has sent elite special forces to Juba to support President Salva Kiir. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba announced the deployment under Operation ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya’, insisting any aggression against Kiir will be viewed as a declaration of war. Rising tensions and recent clashes have raised concerns over the stability of South Sudan’s peace agreement.
The Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have been deployed to Juba, South Sudan, to fortify the capital and support President Salva Kiir’s government. This announcement was made by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations. He confirmed via social media that the arrival of UPDF commandos marks the initiation of Operation ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya’ (Silent Guardian) to assist the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces amid a crisis.
General Kainerugaba emphasized Uganda’s commitment to defending President Kiir, warning that any aggression against him would be viewed as a declaration of war. He affirmed, “We shall protect the entire territory of South Sudan like it was our own,” underscoring Uganda’s efforts to stabilize the government amidst rising tensions with opposition leaders, including Riek Machar. Despite the deployment, the South Sudanese government has not yet publicly addressed the military reinforcement.
Recent security developments escalated after the arrest of two ministers and the deputy chief of the army, allies of Machar, which the opposition labeled a violation of the existing peace accord. Following this, violent confrontations erupted in the Upper Nile State involving a militia known as the White Army, leading to fatalities, including a UN crew member and an SSPDF commander when a UN helicopter was attacked.
The deterioration of security in South Sudan has raised alarm among regional and international communities. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) announced an extraordinary virtual summit to address the unfolding crisis. The bloc reassured its commitment to promoting dialogue and stability in the region. Concurrently, the United States has ordered the evacuation of non-emergency diplomatic personnel due to the escalating violence and potential for increased civilian armament.
South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, has faced a tumultuous history of civil conflict since 2013 owing to disputes between Kiir and Machar. Although a peace agreement was reached in 2018, significant provisions remain unfulfilled, exacerbating ongoing tensions.
The deployment of UPDF troops in Juba signifies Uganda’s commitment to securing the South Sudanese government amid escalating tensions. The unrest following recent political arrests indicates a setback in the fragile peace process. As the international community reacts, the situation remains critical for South Sudan’s stability and governance.
Original Source: softpower.ug
