Uganda has deployed special forces in Juba, South Sudan, to secure the capital amid rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. The unrest follows the detention of government officials aligned with Machar, raising fears of a resurgence of civil war. Ugandan military chief Kainerugaba asserts Uganda’s support for Kiir, further emphasizing historical military interventions in the region.
Uganda’s military has recently deployed special forces in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, to ensure security amid rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. These tensions have escalated following the detention of two ministers and several military officials close to Machar, heightening fears of a civil war resurgence in the region.
The reported arrests and violent clashes in Nasir jeopardize the 2018 peace agreement that concluded a five-year civil conflict, resulting in nearly 400,000 casualties. Uganda’s military chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, confirmed the deployment via the social media platform X, indicating their mission is to stabilize Juba.
Kainerugaba emphasized Uganda’s allegiance to Kiir, stating, “We the UPDF (Ugandan military), only recognize one President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir … any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda.” The South Sudan government neither confirmed nor denied the situation, as communication attempts went unanswered.
Historically, Uganda has intervened in South Sudan’s conflicts, with troop deployments in 2013 and again in 2016 to assist Kiir’s administration, both ending in withdrawal. Uganda is particularly concerned about the risks of increased refugee flows and regional instability should South Sudan’s conflict intensify.
Uganda’s deployment of special forces to South Sudan highlights the escalating tensions between President Salva Kiir and his rival Riek Machar. This action reflects Uganda’s commitment to Kiir’s government amidst fears of civil war. Past interventions show Uganda’s historical involvement in South Sudan’s conflicts and underscore regional stability concerns.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
