Uganda Deploys Troops to South Sudan Amid Rising Tensions

The Ugandan army chief announced the deployment of special forces to Juba, South Sudan, due to escalating tensions threatening the peace pact between President Kiir and Vice President Machar. Recent violence, including an attack on a UN helicopter, has heightened concerns. President Kiir called for calm, while international entities warn of a potential regression into full-scale conflict if the situation is not contained.

Uganda’s army chief announced the deployment of special forces to Juba, South Sudan’s capital, amid escalating tensions that threaten the fragile peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. The deployment comes in response to recent clashes between forces allied to the leaders of South Sudan, highlighting the ongoing political instability in the region.

As of two days prior, Ugandan army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba stated via social media that the special forces aimed to secure Juba. He emphasized their commitment, saying, “We shall protect the entire territory of South Sudan like it was our own.” This claim adds to the ongoing concerns regarding Uganda’s role in South Sudan’s internal conflicts.

According to army spokesman Felix Kulayigye, the troops were sent to safeguard the government, confirming, “We had instructions to deploy and we deployed the troops there.” Uganda previously intervened in South Sudan in 2013, during the onset of a civil war, but withdrew its forces in 2015 after a power-sharing accord aimed at ending hostilities was established in 2018.

Recent violence, particularly the assault on a UN helicopter during a failed rescue mission, has intensified fears of further conflict. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported that the attack resulted in the death of a South Sudanese general and other officials, raising the specter of potential war crimes.

In response to the unrest, President Kiir called for calm, stating, “I have said it time and again that our country will not go back to war. Let no one take law into their hands.” He reassured citizens that his government would address the crisis while maintaining a commitment to peace.

Kiir’s allies have criticized Machar’s forces, alleging they are inciting violence, particularly in collaboration with the White Army, an armed group of youth from Machar’s ethnic community. Meanwhile, Machar condemned the helicopter attack as “barbaric” in a statement, emphasizing the need for peace and dialogue among involved parties to avert further violence.

International concerns are mounting, with the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan warning of an “alarming regression” that could undermine progress achieved in past years. The International Crisis Group cautioned that South Sudan is dangerously close to full-scale war, urging the UN to prepare peacekeeping missions to protect civilians and avert ethnic massacres if the current situation is not promptly controlled.

The deployment of Ugandan troops to South Sudan underscores the escalating tensions and fragility of peace in the region. With historical interventions and recent violence, including a UN helicopter attack, the international community’s alarm grows regarding potential conflict escalation. Calls for calm from President Kiir and ongoing diplomatic efforts by Vice President Machar reflect the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to avert a resurgence of large-scale violence in South Sudan.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr