The UPDF has confirmed the deployment of special forces in South Sudan to support President Kiir’s administration amidst escalating violence. Tension between Kiir and Machar’s forces has increased, raising concerns over the fragile peace agreement. The UPDF emphasizes that their mission aims to support both Ugandan and South Sudanese interests while noting the legal implications of their intervention.
The spokesperson for the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has confirmed the deployment of special forces in South Sudan to aid President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s government. However, details regarding the deployment’s circumstances remain vague, especially since Uganda’s parliament has not publicly authorized it.
Recent weeks have seen escalating tensions between Kiir’s loyalists and forces led by First Vice President Riek Machar, head of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO). Last week, militia loyal to Machar captured the town of Nasir in Upper Nile State, resulting in numerous casualties, including an SSPDF commander.
In response to the violence, Kiir’s government intensified its crackdown on Machar’s supporters, detaining senior figures including the Petroleum Minister. These actions have heightened concerns regarding the stability of the fragile 2018 peace agreement that ended a devastating five-year civil war.
In a statement to Radio Tamazuj, UPDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye confirmed the troop deployment, citing rising insecurity in South Sudan as the mission’s rationale. He stressed that the deployment is in the interests of both Ugandan and South Sudanese citizens. When inquired about the legal basis for intervention, he remarked on the necessity of intergovernmental agreements to avoid being labeled an invasion.
He noted, “Our forces are already in the country. The mission will continue as long as security threats persist. We will determine the withdrawal timeline based on developments.” Notably, he refrained from disclosing the number of troops involved.
This confirmation aligns with a statement from Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who announced on social media that “UPDF commandos have arrived in Juba to support SSPDF in the current crisis. Operation ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya’ has begun.” Attempts to obtain comments from SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang and South Sudan’s Information Minister Michael Makuei were unsuccessful. Historically, Uganda has intervened in South Sudan’s conflicts, including in 2013 during clashes that reignited the civil war between Kiir and Machar.
The UPDF has deployed troops to South Sudan amidst rising tensions between government forces and those loyal to Vice President Riek Machar. Lack of parliamentary approval raises questions about the legality of this intervention. The ongoing situation reflects the delicate nature of the peace agreement established in 2018, with the safety of both nations at stake, as Ugandan forces plan to stay until security threats diminish.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
