Uganda has sent special forces to Juba to address rising tensions in South Sudan, prompting concerns over the fragility of a peace agreement after renewed fighting. Army officials confirmed the deployment aimed at protecting the South Sudanese government amidst ongoing violence and political instability since 2013.
Uganda has deployed special forces to the South Sudanese capital, Juba, in response to escalating tensions within the country. This action has been precautionary, with fears intensifying that a tenuous peace agreement may be at risk due to recent confrontations among competing factions in northeastern South Sudan.
The Ugandan army chief, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, confirmed this deployment, stating, “As of two days ago, our Special Forces units entered Juba to secure it. We shall protect the entire territory of South Sudan like it was our own.” Felix Kulayigye, the spokesperson for the Ugandan army, reiterated that troops were dispatched under direct orders to help safeguard the government.
South Sudan has faced persistent violence and political turmoil over the years. Following a civil war that commenced in 2013, Uganda originally sent troops to bolster President Salva Kiir’s forces, officially withdrawing in 2015, yet tensions have remained high. In 2018, a peace agreement was established between Kiir and his political rival, Vice President Riek Machar, which curtailed the conflict temporarily.
Despite these efforts, strife has erupted again, particularly in the Upper Nile State, where Kiir’s supporters attribute the resurgence of violence to Machar’s forces and the White Army, a militia composed of fighters from the Nuer ethnic group. Concerns regarding the situation have been amplified, with the United Nations warning of an “alarming regression” that threatens to reverse peace initiatives. The International Crisis Group has similarly expressed apprehensions, indicating that South Sudan is rapidly approaching the brink of total warfare.
In summary, Uganda’s recent military deployment illustrates significant political instability and escalating tensions in South Sudan. Both the Ugandan army and international organizations have expressed concerns about the potential collapse of peace efforts in the region. The history of conflict between Salva Kiir and Riek Machar highlights the fragile nature of the peace agreement, necessitating critical observation of the situation as it unfolds.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
