South Sudan’s First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, has condemned Uganda’s military intervention in South Sudan as a violation of sovereignty and international agreements. In a letter to key global leaders, he calls for the immediate withdrawal of Ugandan forces, asserting such actions infringe upon peace accords. Meanwhile, South Sudan’s government defends the presence based on historical military agreements. Machar warns that this intervention risks the fragile peace in South Sudan and stresses the need for dialogue and international pressure.
In a recent correspondence to prominent international officials, South Sudan’s First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, has criticized Uganda’s military presence within South Sudan, labeling it a breach of the nation’s sovereignty and various international accords. In his letter, dated March 21, 2025, submitted to the UN Secretary-General, AU Peace and Security Commissioner, and IGAD Chair, Machar demanded the immediate withdrawal of Ugandan forces from South Sudanese soil.
Dr. Machar emphasized that the Ugandan military’s engagement violates both the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan and the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, accusing Uganda of contravening UN Security Council Resolutions 2428 and 2731. He alleged that Ugandan troops not only entered with tanks and air units but have also conducted harmful airstrikes against civilians in various states.
In response, South Sudan’s Minister of Information, Michael Makuei Leuth, justified Uganda’s military actions, referencing an existing military agreement that stemmed from joint efforts against the Lord’s Resistance Army. He asserted that the Ugandan forces in Juba are present purely for support, relying on historical bilateral agreements.
Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement Parliamentary Caucus has also endorsed the deployment as pivotal to maintaining regional security, asserting its necessity for stabilizing the situation in South Sudan. The operation, referred to as “Mlinzi wa Kimya” or “Guardian of Silence,” commenced on March 11, 2025, under the command of Brig. Gen. Anthony Mbuusi Lukwago, with forces entering through Juba International Airport.
Machar contestst the validity of the 2014 Status of Forces Agreement, pointing out that it lacks the endorsement of the current South Sudanese government. He underscored the precedence of the current Revitalized Agreement, demanding the exit of foreign armed groups during the Pre-Transitional Period.
Furthermore, Machar warned that Uganda’s intervention could jeopardize the fragile peace agreement and South Sudan’s path toward democracy. He called for intervention from regional organizations and the international community to compel Uganda to withdraw its military presence. Machar affirmed his commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue and sought assistance from guarantors and partners in achieving peace.
Dr. Riek Machar’s appeal to the international community underscores South Sudan’s precarious political landscape, marked by Uganda’s contentious military involvement. His emphasis on maintaining sovereignty and adhering to international agreements reflects the ongoing struggle for peace and stability within the nation. The response from the South Sudanese government highlights the complexities of regional partnerships amid calls for intervention and dialogue.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
