UPDF Deploys in South Sudan Amid Heightened Political Tensions

The UPDF has been deployed in South Sudan to support President Kiir amid rising tensions with Riek Machar’s forces. This military intervention, part of ‘Operation Mlinzi wa Kimya’, raises concerns due to the lack of parliamentary approval. Clashes between rival factions could escalate, threatening the peace maintained since the 2018 revitalized agreement. The international community stresses the need for a peaceful resolution to avoid further instability.

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) have initiated a deployment in South Sudan to bolster President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s government, as disclosed by the Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba. This operation, dubbed ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya’, involves UPDF Commandos arriving in Juba to support the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) amid escalating tensions. A video shared by Kainerugaba depicted soldiers disembarking from a civilian aircraft while armed, indicating ongoing military engagement in response to the country’s deteriorating political and security situation.

The UPDF’s involvement in South Sudan is not unprecedented; they were first sent in 2013 without parliamentary approval to stabilize Kiir’s government during a coup attempt led by Riek Machar, Kiir’s former vice president. However, the current deployment lacks formal authorization, raising concerns regarding its legitimacy. Tensions have surged recently between Kiir’s forces and those loyal to Machar, whose militia captured the town of Nasir last week, resulting in numerous casualties, including a commander of the SSPDF.

Renewed clashes have also erupted in Malakal and Bentiu, predominantly inhabited by Machar’s ethnic Nuer community, while additional fighting has occurred in Bar el Ghazal, where Kiir’s Dinka tribe resides. In the capital, Juba, several arrests of Machar’s supporters have taken place, indicating escalating repression, with reports suggesting Machar himself is under house arrest. Should the conflict intensify, it could mark the third significant outbreak of violence in South Sudan since its independence in 2011.

Previous conflicts between Kiir and Machar have led to devastating outcomes, including a protracted civil war from 2013 to 2015, culminating in a peace agreement. However, renewed violence in 2016 saw further bloodshed and displacement. A revitalized peace deal in 2018 aimed to maintain stability, yet current tensions threaten this fragile peace. Although South Sudan had planned elections in 2023—their first since independence—the government extended the electoral timeline by two years, citing insufficient conditions for fair elections, including the necessity of uniting armed forces and ending fighting.

Amid these challenges, the international community, including IGAD, the United Nations, the African Union, and influential nations like the United States, has urged for peaceful resolutions to the political discord. They underscore that renewed conflict in South Sudan could destabilize the larger region, especially following recent turmoil in neighboring Sudan.

In summary, the deployment of UPDF to South Sudan highlights the intensifying political and military tensions within the nation. The ongoing strife between President Kiir and First Vice President Machar raises significant concerns over potential large-scale violence. The established peace agreements appear fragile against the backdrop of disputes that threaten stability, compounded by an international call for diplomatic resolution. A careful approach is vital to prevent further escalation and maintain regional security.

Original Source: www.independent.co.ug