South Sudan’s government justifies the presence of Ugandan troops in Juba as part of a historical military pact against threats like the LRA. This deployment seeks to reinforce President Salva Kiir amid growing political tensions with rival Riek Machar. Uganda’s military leadership has declared unwavering support for Kiir, indicating significant regional implications.
The South Sudan government has affirmed Uganda’s military presence in Juba, asserting that the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) adheres to an earlier bilateral military agreement aimed at addressing threats such as the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Michael Makuei Leuth, South Sudan’s Minister of Information, described this deployment as not a novel intervention but rather a continuation of an established security partnership between the nations.
Minister Leuth emphasized that the agreement dating back to the era of the LRA remains valid and is invoked when circumstances demand. Members of the UPDF, who have recently arrived in Juba, are categorized as support and technical units designed to assist their counterparts in the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).
Previously, reports concerning the UPDF presence in South Sudan were officially denied. Nevertheless, the troop deployment serves to bolster President Salva Kiir’s standing amid escalating political strife with First Vice President Riek Machar, who leads a rival faction. The situation has recently been exacerbated by clashes involving government forces and opposition factions, attacks on UN assets, and detentions of prominent opposition figures.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, publicly endorsed President Kiir, warning that any action against him would be perceived as a declaration of war against Uganda. His remarks reflected the UPDF’s commitment to supporting Kiir’s regime firmly, stating, “We the UPDF only recognize one President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir.”
The Ugandan ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus has shown solidarity with the deployment, highlighting the need for restoring stability and preventing further conflict escalation. Recently, Uganda has additionally sent more troops and heavy artillery to support President Kiir’s administration. Concurrently, the White Army faction, affiliated with Riek Machar, has recently captured a key town, prompting military responses from government forces to secure vital logistical routes.
As of now, neither the United Nations nor regional stakeholders have made public statements regarding Uganda’s rationale for maintaining troop presence in South Sudan under the historical anti-LRA military agreement.
The government’s defense of Ugandan troops in Juba underscores a historical military arrangement aimed at confronting threats such as the LRA. The situation reflects rising tensions between political factions in South Sudan and the firm support of Uganda for President Kiir’s administration. The unfolding events call for closer observation from international organizations, as the stability of the region may hinge on these developments.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
