Uganda has deployed troops to South Sudan to protect President Kiir’s government amid fears of civil war, stemming from a rivalry with Deputy Machar. Recent violence has escalated tensions, prompting international concern, while both leaders face pressure to implement a prior peace deal and prepare for elections in 2026.
In response to rising tensions in South Sudan, Uganda has deployed special forces to protect President Salva Kiir’s fragile government amid fears of impending civil conflict. The troops were specifically sent to Juba, the capital, to counter potential rebel advances, as clarified by Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, the Ugandan military spokesperson. He emphasized that the troops are not there for peacekeeping but rather for governmental support.
This military intervention comes on the heels of escalated hostilities between government forces and the rebel White Army, believed to be aligned with Kiir’s deputy, Riek Machar. The ongoing strife has roots in earlier skirmishes, evidenced by a recent incident where a UN helicopter attempting to evacuate government personnel was fired upon, leading to casualties.
The political landscape remains tense, as Kiir faces accusations from Machar regarding the unilateral decisions jeopardizing their peace agreement. This rift mirrors the violence experienced during South Sudan’s previous civil war, which was largely driven by ethnic tensions between Kiir’s Dinka group and Machar’s Nuer faction. The aftermath of that conflict left over 400,000 dead.
Efforts for reconciliation initiated with a 2018 peace deal continue to be undermined by the ongoing rivalry between the leaders. Both are urged to expedite the implementation of reforms and prepare for elections, which have been delayed multiple times and are now set for 2026. Failure to address these political challenges poses substantial risks for stability in the nation.
The deployment of Ugandan forces to South Sudan highlights the precarious state of the government under President Salva Kiir, amid fears of returning to civil war. This situation reflects deeper political rivalries and historical ethnic conflicts that threaten the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement. Immediate action from both leaders is crucial to ensure the implementation of reforms and stabilize the nation moving forward.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
