South Sudan has confirmed the presence of Ugandan military forces, reversing earlier denials. Information Minister Michael Makuei stated the UPDF is deployed under a bilateral security agreement to combat threats like the LRA. Makuei also addressed issues regarding detained allies of Dr. Riek Machar and warned the White Army militia to vacate Nasir County, reflecting ongoing tensions in the region following the 2018 peace deal.
On Monday, the South Sudanese government officially confirmed the deployment of Ugandan military forces, marking a reversal of its earlier denial of their presence. Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth stated that the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) are operating in the country as part of a longstanding bilateral security agreement aimed at addressing security threats, particularly related to the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).
During a press briefing in Juba, Minister Makuei remarked on the UPDF’s role, classifying them as “technical and support units” assisting South Sudanese military forces. This announcement followed a week of denials from the South Sudanese government, following Uganda’s admission that its forces were deployed in Juba to support President Salva Kiir amid rising insecurity.
The presence of UPDF troops conjures memories of Uganda’s previous controversial military involvement during South Sudan’s internal conflict from 2013 to 2016, which received international attention. Makuei defended the military cooperation by stating, “This is not a secret. It happens all over the world,” and likened it to past U.S. military operations in the region aimed at combatting the LRA.
The minister reiterated that the military agreement serves to ensure mutual protection of the people, the government, and territorial integrity, while dismissing any criticisms of the deployment as unfounded. In a separate context, Makuei addressed the recent IGAD resolution that calls for the release of detained associates of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, stating that those without evidence against them would be freed; however, those guilty would be held accountable.
Moreover, he issued a warning to the White Army, a militia associated with Machar’s SPLA-in-Opposition, ordering them to vacate Nasir County or face military action. Makuei alleged that this group has contributed to instability in the Upper Nile region for decades and insisted on government airstrikes targeting armed elements, dismissing claims of civilian targeting.
The White Army has not yet provided a response to these developments. South Sudan continues to experience instability under the fragile peace agreement established in 2018 between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar.
In conclusion, the acknowledgment of Ugandan military forces in South Sudan signifies a shift in the government’s previous stance. With the UPDF present under a bilateral agreement, concerns about security issues related to the LRA are highlighted. Furthermore, the government’s response to the White Army and ongoing detainee situations emphasizes the fragile state of peace in South Sudan, as the country grapples with lasting conflicts stemming from prior civil unrest.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
