Uganda has dispatched special forces to South Sudan amidst escalating tensions that threaten to rekindle civil war between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. The move aims to secure Juba, with a history of similar interventions by Uganda during past conflicts. The situation remains precarious, prompting calls for dialogue from the United Nations.
As tensions rise in South Sudan, Uganda has deployed special forces to the capital, Juba, amid fears of a potential civil war. The deployment was confirmed by Kampala’s military chief, indicating a mission to help secure the area as relations deteriorate between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. Reports of clashes have emerged, highlighting the fragility of the existing power-sharing arrangement.
On his social media account on X, Muhoozi Kainerugaba disclosed that “as of two days ago, our Special Forces units entered Juba to secure it.” He emphasized that the Ugandan military only recognizes President Kiir, stating, “Any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda!”
The duration of the troop deployment remains unclear, along with whether Uganda has been formally requested to assist Kiir. In recent days, fighting has intensified between the South Sudanese army and factions allied with Machar, including incidents in Nasir where significant casualties were reported.
Despite Kiir’s assurances against returning to war, experts urge caution, indicating that the possibility of conflict renewal persists. The United Nations has called for all parties to avoid violence and address the tensions through dialogue, especially in sensitive areas like Nasir.
This troop deployment by Uganda recalls their past interventions in South Sudan, particularly during the outbreak of civil war in 2013, where they aided Kiir’s forces. With the potential for increased instability in the region, Uganda is cautious to avoid a situation that may result in an influx of refugees and further complicate regional dynamics. Moreover, Uganda’s military has recently engaged in operations against rebel groups along its eastern borders, further underscoring the complexity of its security environment.
The deployment of Ugandan troops to South Sudan highlights the escalating tensions between President Kiir and Vice President Machar, raising fears of renewed civil conflict. The situation demands careful observation, as the UN urges for dialogue and de-escalation. Uganda’s military involvement serves as a reminder of its historical role in South Sudan and underscores the regional implications of instability in the country.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
