Uganda Deploys Special Forces in South Sudan Amid Rising Tensions

Uganda deployed special forces in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, due to rising tensions between President Kiir and Vice President Machar. The deployment follows the arrest of officials linked to Machar, raising fears about the fragile peace established after the previous civil war. Military Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba reiterated Uganda’s allegiance to Kiir, perceiving any aggression against him as a threat to Uganda’s stability.

Uganda’s military authority confirmed the deployment of special forces in Juba, South Sudan, as rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar raise concerns of renewed civil conflict. This decision follows recent arrests of ministers and senior military officials associated with Machar, stirring fears about the stability of the 2018 peace agreement that concluded a brutal civil war resulting in nearly 400,000 casualties.

Military Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba indicated, through social media, that Ugandan forces entered Juba to ensure security amid the unrest. He emphasized support for President Kiir, stating, “We the UPDF (Ugandan military), only recognize one President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir … any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda.”

This is not the first instance of Ugandan troops being stationed in South Sudan; past deployments occurred in 2013 and 2016 during civil war outbreaks, aimed at supporting Kiir against Machar’s faction. Uganda perceives the potential for escalating violence in South Sudan as a direct threat, fearing an influx of refugees that could destabilize their own country. Nonetheless, Kainerugaba did not clarify whether this deployment was formally requested by the South Sudanese government or the duration of their stay.

The deployment of Ugandan special forces in South Sudan underscores the escalating tensions between Kiir and Machar and the precariousness of the recent peace agreement. Uganda’s historical military support for Kiir against Machar reflects its concerns regarding stability in the region and the potential humanitarian crisis stemming from renewed violence. This situation warrants close observation, as it poses significant implications for both nations involved and surrounding areas.

Original Source: www.voanews.com