The UPDF has deployed troops in South Sudan to support President Salva Kiir amidst escalating tensions with First Vice President Riek Machar’s forces. The specific circumstances remain unclear due to the absence of parliamentary authorization. UPDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye confirmed that the mission aims to address growing insecurity, emphasizing legal agreements between the governments. Uganda’s historical role in South Sudan conflicts underscores ongoing stability concerns.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) spokesperson has verified the deployment of special forces in South Sudan to assist President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s government. The specific circumstances surrounding this deployment remain uncertain, as there has yet to be any public authorization from Uganda’s parliament.
Recently, tensions have escalated between President Kiir’s forces and those loyal to First Vice President Riek Machar of the SPLM/A-IO. Notably, militias believed to be loyal to Machar took control of Nasir in Upper Nile State, resulting in numerous fatalities, including a commander from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).
In response to the violence, Kiir’s administration has intensified its crackdown on allies of Machar, detaining several senior military officials and the Petroleum Minister. These events have reignited concerns regarding the stability of the fragile 2018 peace agreement that concluded a brutal five-year civil war.
Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, the UPDF Spokesperson, confirmed the troop deployment in an exclusive interview with Radio Tamazuj, asserting, “The mission is to support the government of South Sudan due to the growing insecurity in the country.” He emphasized that this deployment aligns with the interests of both nations.
Regarding the legal grounds for the intervention, Brig. Gen. Kulayigye remarked, “If there was no agreement [between the two governments], this would constitute an invasion.” He also noted that the mission would continue until security threats diminish, although he refrained from disclosing the number of troops involved.
This confirmation followed a statement from Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on the social media platform X, announcing that “UPDF commandos have arrived in Juba to support SSPDF in the current crisis. Operation ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya’ has begun.” Attempts to reach SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang and South Sudan’s Information Minister Michael Makuei for comment were unsuccessful.
Historically, Uganda has played a significant role in South Sudan’s conflicts, having intervened in 2013 to support Kiir’s government during the civil war that erupted following clashes with Machar.
The UPDF’s mission in South Sudan signifies Uganda’s continued involvement in its neighbor’s conflicts amid rising tensions and violence. The deployment, confirmed by UPDF officials, raises questions regarding its legal justification and long-term implications on the 2018 peace agreement. As the situation develops, the stability of the region remains precarious, requiring careful observation and diplomatic engagement.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
