Uganda Deploys Forces to South Sudan Amid Rising Tensions

Uganda has deployed special forces to South Sudan’s capital, Juba, to support President Salva Kiir amid rising tensions with his deputy, Riek Machar. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba stated that threats against Kiir would be regarded as war against Uganda. The security situation remains worrisome, highlighted by recent arrests of Machar’s allies and the US evacuation of personnel from the country.

Uganda has dispatched special forces to Juba, South Sudan’s capital, as confirmed by Uganda’s military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. This deployment aims to assist President Salva Kiir in securing the city amid rising tensions with his deputy, Riek Machar. There are growing fears that their tenuous peace agreement may disintegrate, potentially reigniting conflict in the region.

General Kainerugaba did not specify the reasons for deploying troops but emphasized that any threat against Kiir would be seen as a declaration of war against Uganda. He expressed Uganda’s commitment to safeguarding South Sudan’s territory, stating, “We shall protect the entire territory of South Sudan like it was our own,” on the social media platform X. The South Sudanese government has yet to issue a statement regarding this military action.

Concerns regarding security in South Sudan have intensified, prompting the United States to order the evacuation of all non-emergency personnel from the country. This heightened security concern follows the recent arrest of the deputy chief of the army and two ministers allied with Machar, which an opposition spokesperson termed a serious breach of the peace agreement. One of the arrested ministers has since been released.

These arrests were preceded by violent confrontations in the Upper Nile state between government forces and a militia, previously allied with Machar during the 2013 civil war instigated by a power struggle between him and Kiir. This conflict resulted in significant casualties and turmoil, with over 400,000 lives lost. While a 2018 power-sharing agreement halted the violence, many crucial aspects, such as a new constitution and elections, remain unfulfilled, further complicating South Sudan’s stability.

In summary, Uganda’s troop deployment to South Sudan reflects escalating tensions between President Salva Kiir and his deputy Riek Machar, raising concerns about the fragility of the peace deal made in 2018. Amidst security apprehensions and recent arrests of key political figures, the response from the South Sudanese government remains absent, while international actors like the US have begun evacuating personnel. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced in achieving lasting peace in South Sudan.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk