Ugandan Troops Deployed to Juba to Support South Sudan Government
Uganda has dispatched elite troops to Juba, South Sudan, to reinforce President Kiir’s government amidst increasing tensions with opposition figures. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba confirmed this deployment as part of Operation ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya.’ The region faces heightened instability following significant arrests and violent clashes, prompting international concern and diplomatic evacuations.
The Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have sent elite special forces to Juba, South Sudan’s capital, to secure the city and bolster the government of President Salva Kiir. This deployment was confirmed by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, on social media. He indicated that this operation, titled ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya’ or ‘Silent Guardian,’ aims to assist the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces amid current tensions.
General Kainerugaba emphasized Uganda’s commitment to defending President Kiir’s administration, declaring that any aggression towards his government would be perceived as a declaration of war against Uganda. He stated, “We shall protect the entire territory of South Sudan like it was our own,” reflecting Uganda’s intent to secure the South Sudanese government amidst rising instability.
In recent weeks, tensions in South Sudan intensified following the arrest of two ministers and the deputy chief of the army, allies of Vice President Riek Machar, which opponents argue breaches the peace agreement. While one minister has been released, violence has flared in Upper Nile State, where government forces clashed with the White Army militia, leading to a UN helicopter being fired upon, resulting in fatalities among SSPDF soldiers and UN personnel.
The escalating crisis has prompted concern from both regional and international communities. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has announced an extraordinary virtual summit to discuss the situation and promote dialogue to restore peace. Concurrently, the United States has ordered the evacuation of non-emergency diplomatic staff from South Sudan due to growing violence and the potential for civilian access to weapons.
South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011, descended into civil war in 2013 due to conflicts between President Kiir and Riek Machar, resulting in over 400,000 deaths. Although a peace agreement in 2018 brought an end to major hostilities, key aspects such as the establishment of a unified military and national elections remain unrealized, contributing to ongoing strife.
In summary, the Ugandan government has deployed special forces to Juba to support President Kiir’s leadership amid escalating tensions in South Sudan. General Kainerugaba has asserted Uganda’s commitment to protecting the South Sudanese government, warning against any movements perceived as a threat. The situation has raised alarms regionally and internationally, with urgent calls for renewed dialogue and intervention to safeguard peace in South Sudan.
Original Source: softpower.ug
