Uganda has deployed special forces to South Sudan’s capital, Juba, to support President Salva Kiir amid escalating tensions with his deputy, Riek Machar. This move aims to prevent a potential rebel advance on the city, highlighting concerns over a possible return to civil war in the oil-rich nation.
The deployment follows recent clashes in Upper Nile State between government forces and the White Army, a militia believed to be allied with Machar. The situation intensified after the killing of a South Sudanese general during a UN helicopter evacuation mission and the subsequent detention of several Machar allies in Juba.
Uganda’s military involvement underscores President Yoweri Museveni’s role as a guarantor of South Sudan’s peace process. Museveni has previously intervened to support Kiir, reflecting the close ties between the two leaders. Ugandan military spokesperson Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye stated that the troops were sent to Juba “to support the government of South Sudan” against potential rebel threats.
The United States has responded by ordering the evacuation of non-emergency personnel from its embassy in Juba, while the United Nations warns of a significant regression in South Sudan’s progress toward peace.
This development raises concerns about the stability of the 2018 peace agreement that ended a five-year civil war resulting in nearly 400,000 deaths. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging all parties to adhere to the peace accords and avoid actions that could lead to further conflict.
