The South Sudanese government supports the presence of Ugandan troops in Juba, citing an old military pact aimed at combating the LRA. This deployment reinforces President Salva Kiir amid rising political tensions and conflict with the White Army. Uganda’s military leadership affirms its backing of Kiir, while the UN has yet to comment on the situation.
The government of South Sudan has affirmed the presence of Ugandan troops in Juba, asserting that it is in accordance with an established military pact designed to combat hostile forces, notably the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Michael Makuei Leuth, South Sudan’s Minister of Information, emphasized that this deployment under Operation ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya’ is an extension of a long-standing security agreement between South Sudan and Uganda and not a new intervention.
Minister Leuth elaborated that the military pact, which has persisted since the era of the LRA, remains active as necessary. He characterized the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) arriving in Juba as support and technical units that assist their South Sudanese counterparts, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).
Amid mounting political tensions, the deployment of the UPDF aims to bolster President Salva Kiir’s standing, especially against rival First Vice President Riek Machar. This reinforcement arrives during escalating conflicts, including clashes with the White Army in Upper Nile State and significant political disturbances leading to the arrest of opposition figures such as Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, the SPLA-IO Chief of Staff.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, publicly endorsed President Kiir, asserting that any actions against him would be interpreted as an act of war against Uganda. He reiterated the UPDF’s recognition of Kiir as the sole President of South Sudan and highlighted the supportive stance of Uganda’s ruling NRM Parliamentary Caucus, which has passed a resolution to support troop deployment for restoring stability and averting further conflict escalation.
Recently, Uganda has sent additional troops and heavy artillery to South Sudan to solidify support for President Kiir. Notably, the White Army, linked to Machar, has made significant territorial gains, capturing Nasir, a strategic town near the Ethiopian border. In response, Uganda conducted air strikes to disrupt potential resupply efforts for the White Army. At this point, the UN and regional stakeholders have not provided commentary on Uganda’s rationale for its military engagement in South Sudan under the existing anti-LRA agreement.
In conclusion, the South Sudanese government has justified the military presence of Ugandan troops in Juba as a continuation of a military pact established to combat hostile forces such as the LRA. This intervention aims to strengthen President Salva Kiir’s position amid political tensions and has garnered support from Uganda’s military leadership. The recent increase in troop deployment underscores Uganda’s commitment to stabilizing the region.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
