Dr. Riek Machar criticized Uganda’s military intervention in South Sudan, claiming it violates national sovereignty and international agreements. He demanded the withdrawal of Ugandan forces, citing breaches of arms embargoes and civilian attacks. Meanwhile, South Sudan’s officials defended the deployment, referencing an old military agreement. The conflict places the fragile peace agreement at risk, necessitating international intervention.
Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, the First Vice President of South Sudan, has expressed his vehement opposition to Uganda’s military presence in South Sudan, citing violations of national sovereignty and international treaties. In a letter dated March 21, 2025, to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and others, Machar called for the immediate withdrawal of Ugandan forces which he claims violate significant agreements like the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict (R-ARCSS) and the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities.
Machar accused Uganda of breaching UN Security Council Resolutions 2428 and 2731 regarding the arms embargo on South Sudan. He stated that Ugandan troops arrived with military equipment and have engaged in airstrikes targeting civilians in regions such as Upper Nile and Jonglei states. The First Vice President specifically pointed out that, “The Ugandan forces are currently taking part in air strikes against civilians in counties of Nasir, Longechuk and Ulang in Upper Nile State, and Akobo County in Jonglei State.”
In contrast, South Sudan’s Minister of Information, Michael Makuei Leuth, defended Uganda’s military deployment as part of Operation Mlinzi wa Kimya, invoking a previous military pact established during the conflict with the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). He stated, “The government of South Sudan and the government of Uganda have a military pact that was signed since the time of the LRA… These are support units and technical units.”
Operation Mlinzi wa Kimya commenced on March 11, 2025, involving elite Ugandan forces arriving through Juba International Airport and additional reinforcements at other border points. This operation is commanded by Brig. Gen. Anthony Mbuusi Lukwago, known for his experience in previous missions.
Machar contested the validity of the 2014 Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between Uganda and South Sudan, asserting it was not recognized by the current government. He stated that the Revitalized Agreement mandates the departure of all non-South Sudanese armed groups before the Pre-Transitional Period ends. Additionally, he urged President Yoweri Museveni to prioritize mediation over military involvement, emphasizing the importance of Uganda’s role in fostering peace.
Machar expressed concerns that Uganda’s military intervention could jeopardize the fragile peace in South Sudan, warning that it might lead to a collapse of the current agreements. He urged international bodies, including IGAD, the African Union Peace and Security Council, and the UN Security Council, to exert pressure on Uganda for withdrawal. Machar affirmed his commitment to peaceful dialogue as a means to resolve conflicts, stating, “Our conviction is that all violations… can only be addressed through dialogue among the parties with the support of the guarantors, regional and international partners.”
Dr. Riek Machar’s accusations against Uganda’s military presence highlight significant tensions regarding sovereignty and compliance with international agreements in South Sudan. Both Machar and the South Sudanese government officials present differing perspectives on the deployment, illustrating the complexities of intra-state relations and external influences. The ongoing situation demands careful monitoring to prevent escalation and maintain peace during this critical transitional phase for South Sudan.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
