The South Sudan government endorses the presence of UPDF troops, referencing an old military pact for joint efforts against threats like the LRA. The deployment is aimed at reinforcing President Salva Kiir’s administration during growing political tensions. Uganda publicly supports Kiir, interpreting threats against him as threats to Uganda’s sovereignty.
South Sudan’s government has defended the presence of the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in Juba, citing an old military pact designed to combat negative forces such as the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Minister of Information Michael Makuei Leuth noted that this deployment under Operation ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya’ represents an extension of a long-term security collaboration, not a new intervention.
Makuei emphasized the legitimacy of the agreement, stating, “The government of South Sudan and the government of Uganda have a military pact that was signed since the time of LRA.” He noted that the UPDF forces in Juba consist of support and technical units aimed to assist the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).
Initially, Juba had rebuffed the reports concerning the UPDF’s presence. However, the troops are intended to reinforce President Salva Kiir’s authority amid escalating tensions with rival and First Vice President Riek Machar, as well as internal conflicts, including current fighting in Upper Nile State.
Rising political tensions are apparent, with conflicts between government forces and the White Army and recent violent incidents, including the attack on a UN helicopter and the detention of key opposition leaders.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, has publicly expressed support for Kiir, asserting that any actions against him would equate to a declaration of war. He stated, “We the UPDF only recognize one President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir… Any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda.”
Uganda’s ruling NRM Parliamentary Caucus has also backed the UPDF deployment, citing the necessity of stabilizing the situation and preventing further conflict escalation. Recent troop reinforcements from Uganda, including heavy artillery, serve to bolster support for Kiir’s administration. The strategic town of Nasir has seen conflict, with the White Army’s recent capture alongside aerial assault operations aimed at restricting their supply routes.
The United Nations and regional entities have not yet responded to Uganda’s rationale for its troop presence in adherence to the historically established anti-LRA military pact.
In conclusion, the presence of UPDF troops in South Sudan is defended by the government as part of an ongoing military agreement to combat threats like the LRA. The deployment is further justified as a support mechanism for President Salva Kiir amid rising political tensions and internal conflicts. Uganda’s military leadership and parliamentary support reinforce this action, although international reactions remain absent.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
