Uganda has deployed special forces to South Sudan’s Juba amid escalating tensions between President Kiir and Vice-President Machar. The situation arises from recent government detentions that threaten a fragile peace agreement. Uganda’s military chief emphasized support for Kiir, citing potential regional instability as a concern.
On Tuesday, Uganda’s military chief announced the deployment of special forces in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, amid escalating tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar. These tensions have heightened due to the recent detention of two ministers and several senior military officials associated with Machar, which raises concerns about the fragility of the 2018 peace agreement that concluded a five-year civil war, resulting in nearly 400,000 casualties.
Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Ugandan military chief, confirmed the involvement of special forces, stating, “As of two days ago, our Special Forces units entered Juba to secure it.” He emphasized Uganda’s allegiance to President Kiir, declaring that any action against him would be viewed as a “declaration of war against Uganda.” Attempts to obtain comments from South Sudan’s government officials were unsuccessful.
Uganda had previously sent troops to support Kiir’s forces during the civil war in 2013 and again in 2016 during renewed fighting, but these forces were later withdrawn. Uganda is concerned that sustained conflict in South Sudan could lead to an influx of refugees and regional instability. Kainerugaba did not disclose if this latest deployment followed a request from Kiir’s administration, nor did he indicate the duration of the troop presence in South Sudan.
The deployment of Ugandan special forces in Juba reflects ongoing tensions in South Sudan amidst concerns over a potential return to civil war. Uganda’s commitment to protecting President Kiir may stem from fears of destabilization affecting both nations. The situation remains fluid, with the implications of the deployment yet to be fully assessed.
Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za
