The UPA condemned the South Sudan government’s invitation to the UPDF, viewing it as a potential escalation of conflict amid rising tensions. They called for the withdrawal of foreign troops and emphasized the importance of regional and international support for stability. Recent political strife has raised concerns about the 2018 peace agreement’s sustainability.
The United People’s Alliance (UPA) has publicly criticized the South Sudanese government’s invitation to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) amid ongoing conflicts in several regions. The UPA, formed in January as part of the South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance, expresses concern that this action could escalate tensions further.
In a statement, UPA Secretary General Lual Dau emphasized that South Sudan is at a critical juncture, with citizens demanding liberation from economic, humanitarian, and political crises. He stated that the ruling government’s actions indicate a desire to provoke warfare rather than foster peace.
The UPA characterizes the arrival of foreign troops as a calculated move towards a return to armed conflict, declaring the revitalized peace agreement effectively nonviable. They have called for the immediate withdrawal of all foreign military personnel not sanctioned by the United Nations.
UPA urged the international community and neighboring countries to avoid further destabilizing the situation in South Sudan. Moreover, they called upon opposition parties and civil society to mobilize against the government’s reliance on foreign military forces to control dissent.
Amidst these developments, Ugandan military leadership confirmed their presence in South Sudan purportedly to protect President Salva Kiir, although conflicting reports from South Sudanese officials have emerged regarding this deployment, which lacks parliamentary approval in Uganda.
Tensions between the forces of President Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar have escalated, especially following militia actions in Upper Nile State, leading to efforts by the Kiir administration to detain supporters of Machar. The overall situation raises serious concerns for the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement, which concluded a devastating civil war.
In summary, the UPA has condemned the South Sudanese government’s decision to invite Ugandan military forces, viewing it as a harmful escalation amid existing tensions. The coalition calls for foreign troop withdrawal and urges solidarity among opposition groups, emphasizing the need for regional and international support during this critical period. Ongoing political struggles pose risks to the fragile peace in South Sudan, necessitating careful attention from global stakeholders.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
