Uganda has deployed special forces to South Sudan to support President Kiir’s government amidst rising civil war fears. This intervention underscores ongoing tensions between Kiir and his deputy, Machar, who have a tumultuous political rivalry. The situation is compounded by international pressures for peace and unresolved issues from the 2018 agreement and postponed elections.
Uganda has recently deployed an unspecified number of special forces to South Sudan to bolster the government of President Salva Kiir as fears of civil conflict escalate. The troops were sent to Juba to counter potential rebel advances, as reported by Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, a military spokesperson for Uganda. He emphasized that their mission is not for peacekeeping purposes.
The deployment reflects Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s role as a guarantor of the peace process that unites Kiir and his deputy, Riek Machar, in a fragile government. Historically, Museveni has intervened in South Sudan’s conflicts to maintain Kiir in power. The presence of Ugandan troops highlights growing tensions in South Sudan, which has been marred by instability and violence since gaining independence in 2011.
Further developments include the U.S. directive for nonemergency personnel to evacuate Juba amidst warnings from the U.N. about a possible regression in peace efforts. The escalating tensions are attributed to recent clashes between government forces and the White Army, a rebel faction believed to support Machar. A violent incident occurred last week when a U.N. helicopter, tasked with evacuating troops, was attacked, resulting in casualties.
Kiir has faced criticism for dismissing officials loyal to Machar, fueling discontent among their ranks. Following the helicopter incident, Kiir assured the public that his government would effectively manage the escalating crisis, reaffirming a commitment to peace. The historical context reveals that civil war erupted in late 2013 following a fallout between Kiir and Machar, which was marked by ethnic violence, leading to significant loss of life.
A peace agreement signed in 2018 allowed Machar to return to Juba as vice president, yet underlying political rivalries continue to hinder stability. Both leaders face international pressure to expedite the implementation of the peace deal, although issues such as the unification of military commands remain unaddressed. Upcoming presidential elections, which have faced numerous delays, are now slated for 2026, as challenges persist in the path toward lasting peace.
The deployment of Ugandan special forces to South Sudan signals a grave concern for the stability of the current government amid rising tensions between President Kiir and his deputy Machar. The historical context of violence and political strife raises alarms as both leaders are under significant pressure to adhere to peace agreements and address critical governance issues. As the situation develops, the commitment to peace and stability remains crucial for the future of South Sudan, especially with elections on the horizon.
Original Source: www.newsday.com