South Sudan Affirms Uganda’s Military Presence Under Bilateral Pact
The South Sudanese government supports Uganda’s military presence, arguing it is based on an old military pact to combat threats like the LRA. The deployment aims to reinforce President Salva Kiir amidst rising political tensions with Riek Machar’s faction. Uganda’s military officials have asserted their support for Kiir, stating opposition to him may incite conflict. The situation is critical as regional stability hangs in the balance.
The South Sudanese government has affirmed the legitimacy of Uganda’s military presence in Juba, asserting that the deployment of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) aligns with an old bilateral military pact aimed at countering negative forces such as the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). South Sudan’s Minister of Information, Michael Makuei Leuth, emphasized that the recent deployment under Operation ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya’ is a continuation of this established security cooperation, rather than a new intervention.
Makuei stated, “The government of South Sudan and the government of Uganda have a military pact that was signed since the time of LRA. This agreement has not been nullified, but we use it when necessary. The UPDF forces that arrived in Juba are support units and technical units. They have come to support their brothers and sisters in the SSPDF.” Initially, Juba had denied rumors regarding UPDF’s deployment in South Sudan.
The deployment is strategically significant as it bolsters President Salva Kiir’s position amid escalating tensions with rival and First Vice President Riek Machar. Recently, the political climate in South Sudan has intensified with incidents involving government forces and the White Army, attacks on United Nations resources, and the detention of prominent opposition figures.
Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has publicly voiced support for President Kiir, declaring that opposition to his leadership would be viewed as a declaration of war against Uganda. “We the UPDF (Ugandan military) only recognize one President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir… Any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda,” he asserted in a recent statement.
Furthermore, the ruling NRM Parliamentary Caucus in Uganda has endorsed the troop deployment, highlighting the importance of restoring stability and avoiding further conflict escalation. Uganda has also dispatched additional troops and heavy artillery to strengthen its support for President Kiir following significant military developments in the region.
The White Army, affiliated with Machar, had recently captured the strategic town of Nasir, which has prompted military action by the government to disrupt the supply chain to this group. The situation remains fluid, and the United Nations, alongside regional stakeholders, has yet to provide a response to Uganda’s reasoning for its military involvement under the pretext of an outdated anti-LRA agreement.
In summary, South Sudan continues to uphold Uganda’s military presence as a vital aspect of their longstanding security collaboration, particularly in light of existing tensions within the country. While the UPDF’s deployment is perceived as a stabilizing force for President Kiir’s administration, ongoing military engagements signify a continuing state of unrest. The international community’s response remains anticipated as the situation evolves.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
