The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has deployed special forces to South Sudan’s capital, Juba, as tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar escalate, raising concerns of a potential return to civil war.
Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, confirmed the deployment on social media, announcing that UPDF commandos had arrived in Juba to support the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) amid the ongoing crisis.
“Operation ‘Mlinzi wa Kimya’ has begun. God bless UPDF!” Muhoozi posted.
This is not the first time Uganda has deployed forces to South Sudan. In 2013, UPDF soldiers were sent to Bor, Jonglei State, to confront the advancing SPLA-IO. During that mission, Ugandan forces were accused of using cluster bombs, which resulted in the deaths of several civilians along the Juba-Bor road.
The recent deployment follows escalating violence in Nasir, where the SSPDF suffered a significant defeat at the hands of armed youth from the White Army. The clashes resulted in the death of SSPDF Force Commander Gen. David Majur Dak and several officers from both sides. The SSPDF has accused Dr. Riek Machar of being linked to the White Army, a claim he vehemently denies, calling it a complete misrepresentation of facts.
In response to the deteriorating security situation, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) announced that it will convene an extraordinary virtual summit on Wednesday to address the escalating violence and political instability in South Sudan. The summit will seek to find solutions to the ongoing crisis that continues to affect the country’s peace and stability.
The situation remains tense, and international observers are closely monitoring the developments as fears of further conflict grow.
