Ugandan special forces have been deployed to South Sudan’s Juba due to escalating tensions threatening the peace agreement. Army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba emphasized commitment to protect South Sudan, recalling Uganda’s military history in the region. Recent violence raises concerns about the potential return to civil war as accusations fly between leaders Kiir and Machar’s forces.
Ugandan special forces have been deployed in the capital of South Sudan, Juba, as tensions rise amidst concerns for a fragile peace agreement. The announcement by Ugandan army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba follows recent clashes involving forces allied with South Sudan’s leaders. He stated, “As of 2 days ago, our Special Forces units entered Juba to secure it,” indicating the urgency of the situation.
Kainerugaba further commented, “We shall protect the entire territory of South Sudan like it was our own,” affirming Uganda’s commitment to regional stability. Ugandan army spokesman Felix Kulayigye corroborated the deployment, clarifying their mission is to protect the government in Juba. The troops were deployed on the orders received two days prior to Kainerugaba’s statement.
Historically, Uganda first sent troops to South Sudan in 2013 to assist President Salva Kiir during the civil war, withdrawing officially in 2015 after the onset of a fragile peace. A power-sharing agreement was established between Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar in 2018, but recent violence, particularly in the Upper Nile State, has intensified fears of a return to civil conflict.
Conflicts in Upper Nile have led to accusations by Kiir’s allies against Machar’s forces for inciting unrest, reportedly leveraging support from the White Army, a group of armed youths belonging to the Nuer ethnic community. The unrest has raised alarms internationally, prompting warnings from the United Nations Commission on Human Rights about an “alarming regression” in South Sudan’s progress toward stability.
The deployment of Ugandan forces in South Sudan’s capital highlights escalating tensions that threaten the tenuous peace established after years of conflict. With the potential for renewed civil war looming, both regional and international stakeholders express serious concern regarding the stability of South Sudan, as recent violent clashes expose deepening political divisions.
Original Source: thedefensepost.com
