The UPDF has confirmed the deployment of special forces in South Sudan to aid President Salva Kiir. This move comes amid rising tensions and unrest following clashes between governmental forces and those loyal to First Vice President Riek Machar. Concerns about the legitimacy of this intervention, as well as the future of the fragile peace agreement, have arisen due to the absence of authorizing legislation from Uganda’s Parliament.
The spokesperson for the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has officially confirmed the deployment of special forces to South Sudan in support of President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s government. The specifics regarding the authorization of this deployment remain ambiguous, as there has been no public endorsement by the Ugandan Parliament.
Recent weeks have seen increased tensions between forces aligned with President Kiir and those led by First Vice President Riek Machar of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO). The situation escalated last week when militias reportedly loyal to Machar took control of Nasir in Upper Nile State, resulting in significant casualties, including a commander from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).
In response to this violence, Kiir’s administration has intensified its crackdown on allies of Machar, resulting in the detention of key figures, including the Petroleum Minister and several high-ranking military officials. These actions have raised serious concerns regarding the sustainability of the 2018 peace agreement that concluded a five-year civil war in South Sudan.
In a recent exclusive interview with Radio Tamazuj, UPDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye stated, “The mission is to support the government of South Sudan due to the growing insecurity in the country.” He highlighted that the deployment is intended to benefit both Ugandan and South Sudanese citizens. When questioned about the legal justification for this intervention, he noted potential implications of an invasion if no agreement existed between the two nations.
Brig. Gen. Kulayigye further asserted that, “Our forces are already in the country. The mission will continue as long as the security threats persist,” while declining to disclose the number of troops deployed. His confirmation followed a statement from Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announcing the arrival of UPDF commandos in Juba to support SSPDF amid the ongoing crisis, indicating that Operation ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya’ has commenced.
Attempts to obtain a comment from SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang were unsuccessful, as were efforts to reach South Sudan’s Information Minister, Michael Makuei. Uganda has historically intervened in South Sudanese conflicts, notably during the 2013 civil war when Ugandan troops supported Kiir’s administration during violent clashes against Machar.
The confirmation of UPDF troop deployment in South Sudan underscores increasing regional tensions and ongoing support for President Salva Kiir’s government amid the resurgence of violence. The lack of parliamentary authorization raises questions about the legality of this intervention. With historical ties, Uganda’s military presence in South Sudan aims to stabilize the fragile peace established in 2018, as expressed by UPDF officials in light of growing insecurity in the region.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
