Uganda has deployed special forces to Juba, South Sudan, to assist President Salva Kiir amid escalating tensions with Deputy Riek Machar. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba stated any move against Kiir would be viewed as a declaration of war against Uganda. The U.S. has ordered the evacuation of non-emergency personnel in light of recent arrests and clashes, indicating heightened security concerns in the region.
Uganda has deployed special forces to Juba, South Sudan, to assist President Salva Kiir in maintaining security, according to General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s military chief. This deployment is occurring amid rising tensions between Kiir and his deputy, Riek Machar, which raises concerns about the stability of their peace agreement and the potential resurgence of conflict.
General Kainerugaba characterized any threat against Kiir as an act of war against Uganda and pledged to treat South Sudan’s territory with the same care as Uganda’s. He emphasized, “We shall protect the entire territory of South Sudan like it was our own” on a social media platform. The South Sudanese government has not yet issued a response regarding the troop deployment.
Concerns regarding security in South Sudan are escalating; recently, the United States ordered the evacuation of all non-emergency personnel from the country. This follows the arrest of the deputy chief of the army and two ministers aligned with Machar, which has been condemned by opposition representatives as a significant breach of the existing peace agreement. One minister has since been released.
These arrests occurred after violent confrontations in Upper Nile state between government forces and the White Army militia, which previously allied with Machar during the civil conflict that erupted in 2013 due to a power struggle between him and Kiir. The conflict resulted in over 400,000 fatalities.
Although a 2018 power-sharing agreement successfully halted active fighting, numerous essential aspects of the pact, including a new constitution, elections, and the unification of armed factions, remain unfulfilled, jeopardizing long-term stability.
Uganda’s deployment of troops to South Sudan highlights increasing tensions between President Salva Kiir and his deputy Riek Machar, raising fears of renewed conflict. With security concerns amplified, especially following recent arrests linked to the power struggle, the region’s fragile peace remains precarious. The effectiveness of earlier agreements designed to maintain stability is in question, underlining the urgent need for comprehensive implementation of the peace deal’s provisions.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
