The United People’s Alliance (UPA) has criticized the South Sudanese government’s invitation to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), expressing fears of escalating conflict. UPA highlights ongoing crises and urges the withdrawal of foreign troops. Tensions escalate as forces loyal to President Kiir clash with those of First Vice President Machar, raising concerns over the fragile peace agreement.
The United People’s Alliance (UPA) has expressed strong disapproval of the South Sudanese government’s decision to invite the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) into South Sudan, particularly amidst rising tensions in Upper Nile, Western Bhar Ghazal, and Western Equatoria states. Formed in January, the UPA consists of the South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (SSOMA) and other opposition entities engaging in peace talks mediated by the Kenya government.
In a press release authored by UPA Secretary General Lual Dau, the coalition stated that South Sudan is experiencing critical turmoil, with citizens voicing their demands for relief from the ongoing economic, humanitarian, and political crises provoked by government mismanagement. The UPA condemned the ruling authority in Juba, asserting that their actions reveal an intent to resume war through the invitation of foreign troops, signaling the failure of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
The UPA has called for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops not authorized by the United Nations, urging the regional and international communities to intervene and discourage neighbors from inflaming the already volatile situation. The coalition further implored opposition groups, civil society, and citizens to protest against the government’s use of foreign forces to suppress the populace and escalate to warfare.
On a related note, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announced via social media that Ugandan troops have arrived in South Sudan to support President Salva Kiir. Contrarily, South Sudan’s Information Minister, Michael Makuei, denied any UPDF deployment in the country, although the UPDF has confirmed their special forces’ presence to aid the South Sudanese government.
The precise circumstances surrounding the UPDF’s arrival are unclear, lacking public endorsement from the Ugandan parliament. Moreover, tensions have surged recently between President Kiir’s forces and those of First Vice President Riek Machar, whose SPML/A-IO faction is reportedly involved in clashes, exacerbating concerns over the stability of the 2018 peace agreement that ended the five-year civil conflict.
The UPA’s condemnation of the South Sudanese government’s actions underscores deepening concerns over national stability and the potential return to conflict. The invitation to the UPDF highlights prevailing tensions, as opposition groups rally against foreign military involvement. Calls for withdrawal and solidarity signify the urgent need for the international community’s attention in fostering a peaceful resolution amidst escalating violence in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
