South Sudan defends the presence of Ugandan troops, stating it aligns with a military pact to combat groups like the LRA. The presence aims to fortify support for President Salva Kiir amid rising political tensions with Riek Machar. Ugandan military leaders assert strong support for Kiir, indicating potential serious consequences for opposition movements.
The South Sudanese government has affirmed that the presence of Ugandan troops, specifically the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), is consistent with a longstanding military agreement aimed at combating threats such as the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Michael Makuei Leuth, South Sudan’s Minister of Information, emphasized that this deployment, part of Operation ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya’, is an extension of a collaborative security framework established years ago.
Makuei clarified that the military pact between South Sudan and Uganda remains in effect and is activated as necessary. He noted, “The UPDF forces that arrived in Juba are support units and technical units. They have come to support their brothers and sisters in the SSPDF.” Initially, Juba had dismissed reports regarding the deployment of Ugandan forces in the nation.
This troop presence aims to bolster President Salva Kiir’s authority amid escalating tensions with First Vice President Riek Machar. Recent political developments include clashes between government troops and the White Army in Upper Nile State, the assault on a UN helicopter in Nasir, and the detention of opposition leaders.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, expressed open backing for Kiir, indicating that any opposition would be met with military confrontation: “We the UPDF only recognize one President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir… Any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda,” he stated.
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus of Uganda has endorsed the military deployment, highlighting its role in stabilizing the region. Uganda has further dispatched additional troops and artillery to support Kiir’s administration.
Reports indicate that the White Army, aligned with Machar, seized control of Nasir, a critical border town, prompting military action from Ugandan forces to disrupt supply routes. The United Nations and regional entities have not yet issued statements regarding Uganda’s rationale for the troop deployment under the existing anti-LRA agreement.
In summary, South Sudan justifies Uganda’s military presence as a continuation of a longstanding pact aimed at regional security. The situation is compounded by political tensions and military conflicts within South Sudan, notably involving President Kiir and rival Riek Machar. The support from Uganda, articulated by military leaders, reinforces Kiir’s position while raising questions about the implications for regional stability and international response.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
