The UPDF has deployed troops in South Sudan to support President Kiir’s government amidst escalating tensions with opposition forces led by Riek Machar. The deployment lacks parliamentary authorization, raising concerns about legality and implications for the peace agreement that ended the civil war. UPDF official Brig. Gen. Kulayigye confirmed troops’ presence and stated that operations will continue based on security threats.
The spokesperson for the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has confirmed the deployment of special forces in South Sudan to support President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s government. The exact circumstances surrounding the deployment remain ambiguous, as there has yet to be a public authorization from Uganda’s parliament.
Rising tensions between President Kiir’s forces and those of First Vice President Riek Machar, leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), have escalated recently. Following an incident last week where Machar’s militias overtook the town of Nasir, resulting in numerous fatalities, including an SSPDF commander, Kiir’s administration has intensified its crackdown on Machar’s supporters.
Amidst these events, concerns about the fragile peace agreement established in 2018, which concluded a brutal civil war, have resurfaced. Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, UPDF Spokesperson, stated in an exclusive interview, “The mission is to support the government of South Sudan due to the growing insecurity in the country.” He noted that the deployment serves the interests of both nations’ citizens and discussed the critical importance of an agreement between the governments to avoid implications of invasion.
Brig. Gen. Kulayigye confirmed that Ugandan forces are already present in South Sudan, indicating that the operation will persist as long as security threats exist. The withdrawal timeline will be determined by forthcoming developments. Meanwhile, the Chief of Defense Forces in Uganda, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announced on social media that Operation ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya’ has commenced.
Furthermore, SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang refrained from providing comments to Radio Tamazuj, and attempts to contact South Sudan’s Information Minister were unsuccessful. Uganda’s involvement in South Sudanese conflicts is historical, with previous interventions, including the 2013 deployment during the civil war triggered by disputes between Kiir and Machar.
In summary, the UPDF has confirmed its deployment in South Sudan amidst rising tensions between government forces and opposition groups. The unclear legal basis of this intervention has raised concerns about potential implications of sovereignty. The situation poses risks to the established peace agreement and highlights Uganda’s historical military involvement in South Sudan. Continued monitoring will be necessary to gauge the developments and implications of this deployment.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
