Uganda has deployed special forces to Juba to support President Kiir amid rising tensions with Deputy Riek Machar. Concerns about renewed conflict grow as arrests of Machar’s allies occur and the U.S. evacuates personnel due to security risks. The 2018 peace agreement remains largely unfulfilled, jeopardizing stability.
Uganda has deployed special forces to Juba, South Sudan, to assist President Salva Kiir in securing the capital, according to Uganda’s military chief, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. This deployment occurs amid escalating tensions between Kiir and his deputy, Riek Machar, which raises concerns about the stability of their peace agreement and the potential for renewed conflict.
Gen Kainerugaba emphasized that any action against Kiir would be viewed as a “declaration of war against Uganda” and pledged to safeguard South Sudan as if it were Ugandan territory. However, the South Sudanese government has yet to address the troop deployment.
The U.S. government has expressed growing concerns about South Sudan’s precarious security situation, leading to the evacuation of all non-emergency personnel from the country. Recent developments include the arrest of the deputy chief of the army and two ministers, allies of Machar, which sparked allegations of a serious breach of the peace agreement.
These arrests followed violent confrontations between government forces and the White Army militia, which allied with Machar during the civil conflict that ignited in 2013 over a leadership struggle with Kiir. This conflict resulted in significant casualties exceeding 400,000 people.
While a power-sharing deal was established in 2018 to halt hostilities, critical aspects of the agreement remain unfulfilled, including the establishment of a new constitution, conducted elections, and the unification of various armed factions into a cohesive national army.
In summary, Uganda’s military intervention in South Sudan highlights escalating tensions between President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, threatening the fragile peace in the nation. The U.S. evacuation underscores growing international concern, while ongoing arrests of key political figures exacerbate the situation. The 2018 power-sharing agreement remains largely unimplemented, indicating instability ahead.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
