Uganda has recently deployed special forces to Juba, South Sudan, following rising political tensions between President Salva Kiir and his deputy, Riek Machar. The move, announced by the Ugandan military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, comes amid fears that their fragile peace agreement signed in 2018 could collapse, potentially leading to renewed conflict in the region. Kainerugaba stated that any threat against Kiir would be considered a threat against Uganda, pledging to protect South Sudan as if it were part of Uganda.
This military intervention follows a series of arrests of key officials loyal to Machar and recent clashes between government forces and a militia group known as the White Army in the Upper Nile state. These developments have raised significant alarm, prompting the United States to order an evacuation of non-emergency personnel from South Sudan. The current political climate is precarious, with the implementation of critical components of the peace deal, including a new constitution and the unification of armed factions, still pending.
This situation serves as a reminder of South Sudan's turbulent history, which has seen more than 400,000 lives lost since civil war erupted in 2013 over a power struggle between Kiir and Machar. As the region grapples with internal conflict and external military support, the future stability of South Sudan and its relationship with neighboring Uganda hangs in the balance.
This military intervention follows a series of arrests of key officials loyal to Machar and recent clashes between government forces and a militia group known as the White Army in the Upper Nile state. These developments have raised significant alarm, prompting the United States to order an evacuation of non-emergency personnel from South Sudan. The current political climate is precarious, with the implementation of critical components of the peace deal, including a new constitution and the unification of armed factions, still pending.
This situation serves as a reminder of South Sudan's turbulent history, which has seen more than 400,000 lives lost since civil war erupted in 2013 over a power struggle between Kiir and Machar. As the region grapples with internal conflict and external military support, the future stability of South Sudan and its relationship with neighboring Uganda hangs in the balance.
