In response to escalating tensions in South Sudan, Uganda has dispatched troops to support President Salva Kiir, citing a commitment to preserve regional stability.
Uganda Sends Special Forces to South Sudan Amid Rising Tensions
Uganda Sends Special Forces to South Sudan Amid Rising Tensions
Uganda's military chief pledges support to South Sudan's president as fears of renewed conflict loom.
Uganda has dispatched special forces to South Sudan's capital, Juba, aimed at ensuring security for President Salva Kiir amidst rising tensions between him and his deputy, Riek Machar. The deployment was announced by Uganda's military chief, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who underscored the importance of supporting Kiir, referring to him as a brother to President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda. This development comes amid fears that the fragile peace deal established in 2018 may unravel, potentially reigniting conflict in the nation.
Gen Kainerugaba provided little explanation for the military move, although he declared that any threat against Kiir would be considered a declaration of war on Uganda, pledging to protect South Sudan as if it were their own territory. The government of South Sudan has yet to comment on the presence of Ugandan troops.
Increasing international concern regarding South Sudan’s security landscape has led the United States to evacuate non-emergency staff from the country. Tensions escalated following the arrests last week of the deputy chief of the army and two ministers considered allies of Machar, which the opposition deemed a serious breach of the peace agreement. While one minister has been released, the situation remains precarious, particularly following recent clashes between government forces and a militia group known as the White Army in Upper Nile state.
South Sudan has a tumultuous history marked by civil conflicts, with the previous outbreak resulting in over 400,000 deaths following a power struggle between Kiir and Machar. Although a power-sharing agreement was reached in 2018 to halt the violence, significant aspects of the deal—including the formation of a new constitution, elections, and the integration of armed factions—remain unfulfilled, contributing to the current instability.
