Uganda deployed special forces in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, due to escalating tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar, following political arrests. This deployment aims to secure the area and signals Uganda’s commitment to supporting Kiir, amidst fears of renewed civil war affecting regional stability.
Uganda’s military announced the deployment of special forces in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, aiming to ensure security amid escalating tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar. Recent unrest includes the detention of two key ministers aligned with Machar and violent confrontations in northern Nasir, raising concerns over a potential return to civil war.
These tensions are jeopardizing the fragile 2018 peace deal that concluded a civil war, which had resulted in nearly 400,000 fatalities. Ugandan military chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba confirmed the deployment, stating, “As of two days ago, our Special Forces units entered Juba to secure it.”
Kainerugaba emphasized, “We the UPDF [Ugandan military], only recognize one president of South Sudan, HE Salva Kiir … any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda.” The Ugandan government has not communicated whether this action was at Kiir’s request or the expected duration of the troop presence.
Uganda’s previous military interventions in South Sudan include deployments during conflicts in 2013 and 2016, both aimed at supporting Kiir’s regime against Machar’s forces. Currently, Uganda faces concerns that a renewed civil war could lead to an influx of refugees and instability in its northern regions.
The situation remains tense, with ongoing issues reflecting the historical complexities of South Sudan’s political landscape.
Uganda’s deployment of special forces in Juba highlights the escalating tensions within South Sudan between its political leaders. The interventions are rooted in historical conflicts and the recognition of Salva Kiir as the legitimate president by Uganda. The situation is precarious, risking further destabilization in the region and raising humanitarian concerns regarding potential refugee flows.
Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za
