Uganda Deploys Special Forces to South Sudan Amid Rising Tensions

The Ugandan army has dispatched special forces to South Sudan’s Juba amid increased conflicts threatening a fragile peace deal. Uganda’s army chief has confirmed the deployment aimed at governmental protection. Concerns over political stability grow following violent incidents, including an attack on a UN helicopter, while President Kiir reassures citizens against returning to war.

The Uganda army has deployed special forces to Juba, South Sudan, amid escalating tensions threatening a fragile peace deal between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. The Ugandan army chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, stated this decision was made following recent clashes between rival factions in the northeastern region.

Kainerugaba emphasized the commitment of Uganda to safeguard South Sudan’s stability, asserting, “We shall protect the entire territory of South Sudan like it was our own.” This assurance follows a confirmation by Ugandan army spokesman Felix Kulayigye regarding the status of the deployment meant to secure the government.

In 2013, Uganda deployed troops to South Sudan to support Kiir during the onset of the civil war, officially withdrawing in 2015 post the signing of a peace agreement in 2018. This power-sharing arrangement, however, is under threat due to recent violence, particularly highlighted by a UN helicopter attack that resulted in casualties, potentially constituting a war crime.

President Kiir urged citizens to remain calm, asserting, “I have said it time and again that our country will not go back to war” and reassured that his administration would manage the situation. Despite this, accusations from Kiir’s allies target Machar’s forces for instigating unrest, indicating a dangerous political landscape.

Amid these developments, local media reported Machar’s condemnation of the helicopter attack, labeling it as “barbaric” while affirming efforts towards restoring peace. The United Nations has also raised alarms about a potential regression in South Sudan’s journey towards stability, with experts expressing concern over the risk of escalating violence and ethnic conflicts if the situation is not stabilized.

In conclusion, the deployment of Ugandan special forces to Juba reflects the heightened insecurity in South Sudan and the fragile state of its peace agreement. The recent clashes between government forces and accusations of unrest linked to Vice President Machar underscore the precariousness of the political situation. Authorities are urged to prioritize peace and mitigate potential violence, with international observers closely monitoring the developments.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr