Uganda Deploys Special Forces to South Sudan Amid Rising Tensions

Uganda has sent special forces to South Sudan due to rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar, threatening the fragile peace deal established in 2018. Military Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba affirmed Uganda’s support for Kiir, declaring any actions against him a declaration of war. In response to the crisis, an urgent summit by the IGAD is scheduled.

Uganda has recently deployed special forces to the capital of South Sudan, Juba, due to escalating tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar. These tensions jeopardize the 2018 power-sharing peace agreement that has been crucial in maintaining stability following a devastating five-year civil war, which resulted in nearly 400,000 deaths.

Military Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba confirmed the troops’ presence to secure Juba amidst fears of a potential resurgence of civil conflict, especially after Kiir’s government detained several ministers and officials associated with Machar. Violent clashes have been reported in the Upper Nile region’s Nasir, further straining the already fragile peace.

Kainerugaba publicly stated that Uganda would only recognize Kiir as the legitimate president, warning that any threat to Kiir would be deemed an act of war against Uganda. The Ugandan government has not revealed the anticipated duration of this deployment or whether it was initiated at Kiir’s request. This action illustrates Uganda’s significant concern regarding ongoing regional stability.

In light of these developments, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which facilitates the peace agreement, has called for an urgent summit on March 12. This summit aims to address the escalating crisis in South Sudan, which is perilously close to entering a full-scale civil war.

The deployment of Ugandan special forces to South Sudan signals a serious escalation in regional tensions, particularly between President Kiir and Vice-President Machar. The situation remains precarious, as the legitimacy of the leadership and the integrity of the 2018 peace agreement hang in the balance. Prompt diplomatic efforts, such as the upcoming IGAD summit, will be crucial in averting a further deterioration of the situation in South Sudan.

Original Source: northafricapost.com