Uganda Deploys Troops to South Sudan Amid Civil War Fears

Uganda has deployed special forces in Juba, South Sudan, amid tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. The deployment aims to secure the capital under the threat of civil war, as clashes have erupted following the failure of their power-sharing deal. The situation has led to UN calls for dialogue and conflict resolution to prevent further violence.

Uganda has commenced the deployment of special forces in South Sudan amid rising concerns regarding potential civil war. The military chief of Uganda announced that the troops were dispatched to help secure Juba, as tensions escalate between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar due to the unraveling of their power-sharing agreement. Recent clashes in the region further underscore these tensions.

In a statement on social media platform X, Muhoozi Kainerugaba confirmed the deployment, stating, “as of two days ago, our Special Forces units entered Juba to secure it.” He emphasized Uganda’s exclusive recognition of President Salva Kiir, declaring, “Any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda! All those who commit that crime will learn what it means!”

The duration of the Ugandan military presence in Juba remains unspecified, and it is unclear whether the assistance was formally requested by President Kiir. Fighting has intensified recently as the relationship between Kiir and Machar deteriorates, with both leaders having previously signed a peace agreement in 2018 to end their five-year civil conflict.

Last week, Kiir’s government detained two ministers and several military officials aligned with Machar. Clashes in the northern town of Nasir resulted in the deaths of dozens, including a general, amidst confrontations between the South Sudanese army and the White Army militia, which Kiir associates with Machar.

Despite Kiir’s assertion that he will not permit a return to war, analysts indicate the significant risk of renewed conflict. The United Nations has urged all parties to avoid further violence and called for prompt intervention from the nation’s leaders to address rising tensions through dialogue.

Uganda’s military intervention recalls previous instances during the initial outbreak of civil war in 2013 when troops were sent to reinforce Kiir’s forces. Though withdrawn in 2015, they were redeployed in 2016 amid renewed hostilities. The current situation raises concerns for Uganda regarding the possible influx of refugees and further destabilization in the region, particularly as Ugandan troops are already operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo against rebel groups supported by Rwanda.

In summary, Uganda’s deployment of troops to South Sudan is a response to escalating tensions between President Kiir and Vice President Machar, following the collapse of their power-sharing agreement. The international community, led by the United Nations, has called for dialogue and conflict resolution, as fears of renewed civil war loom over the region. Uganda’s involvement highlights concerns about regional stability and the potential humanitarian impact of renewed conflict.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com