Uganda has sent special forces to South Sudan amid escalating tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. This deployment aims to secure Juba due to fears of a renewed civil war as clashes break out. The UN calls for dialogue and restraint from leaders to prevent further violence.
In response to escalating tensions in South Sudan, Uganda has deployed special forces to secure Juba, the capital. The military presence comes as the power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar deteriorates, resulting in violent clashes and fears of a renewed civil conflict.
Uganda’s military chief confirmed the deployment on Tuesday, expressing that the troops are aimed at stabilizing the area amidst intensifying hostilities between Kiir and Machar. Clashes have recently erupted, underscoring the fragility of the 2018 peace deal that ended a previous five-year civil war.
On social media, Ugandan military commander Muhoozi Kainerugaba stated, “as of two days ago, our Special Forces units entered Juba to secure it.” He emphasized Uganda’s recognition of Kiir as the legitimate president, warning that any attack on him would be considered an act of war against Uganda.
Although the details regarding the duration of the deployment remain unclear, the situation in South Sudan has prompted sporadic fighting. Kiir’s government recently detained ministers and military officials associated with Machar, exacerbating the conflict. In Nasir, clashes left dozens dead, indicating the rising violence.
Despite Kiir’s claims to avoid a return to war, analysts cite a significant risk of renewed conflict. The United Nations has called for restraint and a push for dialogue among leaders to prevent further violence and bolster security in the region.
Ugandan military intervention recalls similar deployments during previous civil war outbreaks in 2013 and 2016, aimed at propping up Kiir’s administration amid deteriorating security. The ongoing conflict threatens regional stability, as instability in South Sudan may lead to refugee influxes into Uganda, complicating an already tense situation in the region.
The deployment of Ugandan troops to South Sudan highlights the growing unrest and potential for civil war as political tensions rise between Kiir and Machar. The ongoing clashes threaten to destabilize the region further, prompting international calls for restraint and dialogue. Uganda’s military intervention serves as a reminder of historical involvements in South Sudan’s conflicts and the anticipated impact on regional security and humanitarian crises.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
