The South Sudanese government confirmed the deployment of Ugandan military forces after initially denying it. Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth cited a bilateral security agreement as the basis for this action. He dismissed criticism and emphasized the cooperative military relationship aimed at ensuring stability. The situation also includes addressing unresolved detentions and warnings against militia threats in Upper Nile State.
On Monday, the South Sudanese government acknowledged the presence of Ugandan military forces, a reversal from its prior denial. Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth stated that the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) are operating in South Sudan under a military agreement aimed at addressing security threats, initially formed to combat the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).
The confirmation follows Uganda’s prior public acknowledgment of its military deployment in Juba to protect President Salva Kiir amidst escalating insecurity. The involvement of the UPDF draws parallels to prior Ugandan military interventions during South Sudan’s 2013-2016 conflict, which attracted significant international attention.
Minister Makuei noted, “This is not a secret. It happens all over the world,” while likening the arrangement to previous U.S. military operations targeting the LRA. He clarified that the UPDF is present as support units collaborating with the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), emphasizing the mutual defense agreement between the two nations.
The minister dismissed criticism regarding the UPDF’s deployment as unfounded, underscoring that the agreement safeguards the “people, government, and territorial integrity” of South Sudan. Furthermore, Makuei addressed the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) resolution which called for the release of detained allies of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar if there is insufficient evidence against them.
He mentioned that officials stripped of immunity would be investigated for alleged attempts to “overthrow the government,” stating, “If innocent, they will be released. If guilty, they will face the law.” Separately, he urged the White Army, associated with Machar’s SPLA-in-Opposition, to vacate Nasir County in Upper Nile State to avoid military action.
Makuei accused the White Army of destabilizing the Upper Nile region and warned, “Any civilian in a military zone refusing to leave will be treated accordingly.” He confirmed actions, including airstrikes in Nasir County, aimed solely at armed elements and denied civilian targeting. The White Army, a past participant in significant rebellions, has yet to issue a response, as South Sudan’s stability remains tenuous under the framework of the 2018 peace agreement between President Kiir and Vice President Machar.
In conclusion, South Sudan’s government has formally acknowledged the deployment of Ugandan military forces following initial denials. This confirmation is part of a longstanding security agreement aimed at combating threats like the LRA. Additionally, the government is addressing internal dissent and violence, emphasizing lawfulness and military readiness in response to challenges in the region. The situation remains complex amid ongoing instability affecting the peace process between key political figures.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
