Uganda has sent special forces to South Sudan’s capital, Juba, amid rising tensions as a power-sharing deal between President Kiir and Vice President Machar collapses. Clashes have intensified, prompting concerns of a potential civil war. Uganda asserts its support for Kiir, reiterating that any moves against him will be considered an act of war.
In light of escalating tensions in South Sudan, Uganda has deployed special forces to bolster security in Juba, the nation’s capital. This decision follows the deterioration of a power-sharing arrangement between South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, which has resulted in violent clashes.
The military chief of Uganda indicated that troops were dispatched to “secure” Juba amidst increasing hostilities. He reaffirmed support for President Kiir, stating, “We the UPDF (Ugandan military), only recognise one President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir.” However, details regarding the duration of this troop presence remain unspecified.
Recent skirmishes between the South Sudanese army and militia factions linked to Machar have raised further concerns about a possible return to civil war. Following tensions, Kiir’s government detained several ministers and military officials aligned with the opposition. In the town of Nasir, heavy fighting reportedly resulted in numerous casualties, intensifying fears of renewed conflict.
The United Nations has urged all parties to avoid violence and called for dialogue among the country’s leaders to address the increasing discord. The current military deployment recalls Uganda’s previous interventions in the region during prior outbreaks of civil war, particularly in 2013.
Uganda’s anxiety surrounding South Sudan’s instability is not unfounded, as such a crisis could lead to an influx of refugees and destabilize the wider region. Additionally, Uganda has been actively deploying troops to address threats from rebel groups in eastern regions, underscoring the ongoing security concerns for the nation.
In summary, Uganda’s deployment of troops to South Sudan is a response to escalating tensions between key political figures as fears of civil war rise. The situation remains precarious, with recent violent clashes highlighting the fragility of peace in the region. The international community, particularly the United Nations, has called for immediate dialogue to mitigate risks of further conflict.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
