South Sudan Officially Acknowledges UPDF Deployment Amid Rising Tensions
South Sudan’s government confirmed the presence of Ugandan forces, reversing earlier denials, citing a security agreement. The acknowledgment follows Uganda’s military’s claim to protect President Kiir amid insecurity. Additionally, the government addressed detained allies of Vice President Machar and warned militias in Upper Nile of military action. The situation reflects ongoing instability in South Sudan under the 2018 peace deal.
On Monday, South Sudan’s government officially confirmed the deployment of Ugandan military forces, a reversal from its prior denials. Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth stated that the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) are operating under a military agreement established to address security threats, particularly those posed by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). This comes after Uganda’s military publicly acknowledged their presence in Juba, aimed at protecting President Salva Kiir amidst rising insecurity.
The acknowledgment of the UPDF’s deployment echoes Uganda’s earlier controversial military intervention during the South Sudan conflict between 2013 and 2016, which raised international concerns. Makuei noted that such military alliances occur globally, drawing parallels to U.S. military interventions in similar contexts. He described the UPDF as “support units assisting their brothers and sisters” within the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), emphasizing the reciprocal nature of the defense pact.
Furthermore, Makuei discussed the recent IGAD call for the release of certain detained allies of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, contingent upon the absence of substantive evidence against them. He asserted that officials stripped of their immunity would be investigated for alleged attempts to overthrow the government, stating, “If innocent, they will be released. If guilty, they will face the law.”
In relation to violence in Nasir County, Makuei cautioned the White Army, affiliated with Machar’s SPLA-in-Opposition, to vacate the area or risk military action. He accused the group of perpetuating instability in Upper Nile since the 1990s. He outlined the government’s stance, clarifying that areas designated as military zones must not harbor civilians, stating, “Any civilian in a military zone refusing to leave will be treated accordingly.” He confirmed ongoing airstrikes targeting armed groups in Nasir County while denying claims of targeting civilians.
Despite the complexities, South Sudan remains precariously positioned under the 2018 peace agreement between President Kiir and Vice President Machar, indicating ongoing challenges in achieving lasting stability.
In summary, South Sudan’s government has confirmed the deployment of Ugandan forces, emphasizing the bilateral defense pact aimed at enhancing security. The government has addressed concerns regarding detention resolutions and warned militias in volatile regions. This situation signifies the continuing challenges South Sudan faces under its peace agreement, with significant implications for internal security and regional cooperation.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
