Ugandan special forces have been deployed to South Sudan’s capital Juba amid rising tensions that threaten a fragile peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. Recent clashes have exacerbated concerns about political instability, prompting calls for immediate measures to prevent further violence and protect civilian lives.
The Ugandan army chief announced the deployment of special forces to Juba, the capital of South Sudan, amid escalating tensions threatening a fragile peace accord between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. This decision comes in light of recent clashes between forces supporting the leaders in northeastern South Sudan, raising alarms about the country’s political stability.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba stated, “As of 2 days ago, our Special Forces units entered Juba to secure it,” emphasizing Uganda’s commitment to protect South Sudan as if it were their own territory. Additionally, army spokesman Felix Kulayigye confirmed the deployment aimed at government protection, asserting that they had received clear instructions to do so.
Uganda first sent troops to South Sudan in 2013 to assist Kiir at the beginning of a civil war but withdrew in 2015 following a shaky power-sharing agreement that concluded the conflict in 2018. Nevertheless, recent confrontations in Upper Nile State have jeopardized this arrangement, instigated by an attack on a UN helicopter during a failed rescue mission, resulting in casualties among South Sudanese officers.
Responding to the turmoil, President Kiir urged tranquility among citizens, asserting, “I have said it time and again that our country will not go back to war. Let no one take law into their hands.” He maintained that his government would manage the crisis and remain committed to peace. Conversely, Machar’s faction condemned the helicopter assault as “barbaric” and stressed ongoing efforts to restore peace in the region.
As violence escalates, international entities express deep concern over the potential regression of peace in South Sudan. The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has indicated that the situation is deteriorating and could reverse the progress made in recent years. The International Crisis Group warns of an impending full-scale war, urging the UN to prepare peacekeeping measures to protect civilians amidst fears of ethnic massacres.
In summary, the deployment of Ugandan troops to South Sudan’s capital underscores the escalating tensions surrounding a fragile power-sharing agreement between key political leaders. The instability has raised alarms not just locally but on an international level, with various organizations urging immediate measures to prevent further violence. The ongoing unrest poses significant risks to the yet-unconsolidated peace in the country, necessitating continued diplomatic engagement and intervention efforts.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
