Uganda has deployed special forces to Juba, South Sudan, amid rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar. General Kainerugaba emphasized Uganda’s commitment to protecting South Sudan. The U.S. has ordered a personnel evacuation due to escalating security concerns following military arrests and clashes.
Uganda has sent special forces to South Sudan’s capital, Juba, as confirmed by the military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. This deployment is intended to assist President Salva Kiir amid rising tensions between him and his deputy, Riek Machar. The stability of their fragile peace agreement is now called into question, sparking fears of a potential return to conflict.
General Kainerugaba remarked that any actions against President Kiir would be perceived as a declaration of war against Uganda, emphasizing that Uganda views the entirety of South Sudan as its responsibility. The deployment’s rationale remains unclear, and South Sudan’s government has yet to respond.
Amid heightened security concerns, the United States has ordered the evacuation of all non-emergency personnel from South Sudan. This change follows the recent arrests of the deputy chief of the army and two ministers, perceived as allies of Machar, which have been deemed a significant breach of the existing peace agreement by opposition representatives.
These arrests were triggered by clashes in the Upper Nile state between government forces and the militia known as the White Army, which had historically supported Machar during the civil war that ignited in 2013 due to a power struggle with Kiir. This conflict resulted in extensive violence in Juba, where Kiir accused Machar of conspiring a coup, leading to a civil war that claimed over 400,000 lives.
While a power-sharing agreement in 2018 temporarily ceased hostilities, critical aspects of this pact, like a new constitution and military unification, remain unfulfilled, posing ongoing risks to peace in the region.
In summary, Uganda’s deployment of special forces to South Sudan underscores the escalating tensions between President Salva Kiir and his deputy, Riek Machar. The potential unraveling of their peace deal raises alarm, especially amid recent unrest and military arrests. International responses, such as the U.S. evacuation of personnel, reflect grave concerns regarding stability in South Sudan, calling attention to the unfinished business of peace established in 2018.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
