Uganda has sent special forces to South Sudan to secure Juba amid increasing violence and political instability. The intervention follows Uganda’s historical military support during South Sudan’s civil war, highlighting the ongoing ethnic and political strife in the region. Despite conflicting reports from South Sudanese ministers, evidence suggests that Ugandan troops are indeed present in the capital, aiming to stabilize the situation.
Uganda has dispatched special forces to South Sudan in response to recent violence, particularly clashes in Upper Nile State involving the White Army against government forces. This rapid military action aims to secure the South Sudanese capital, Juba, amid ongoing ethnic and political turmoil that has plagued the nation since its independence in 2011. Uganda’s involvement follows a history of military support in South Sudan, including troop deployments during the civil war from 2013 to 2018, which resulted in over 400,000 fatalities.
Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Special Military Chief of Uganda, disclosed that Ugandan special forces entered Juba to reinforce security. He emphasized Uganda’s commitment to supporting South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, stating, “We the UPDF (Ugandan military), only recognize one President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir… any move against him is a declaration of war against Uganda.” This declaration underscores Uganda’s proactive stance in regional stability.
While there are conflicting reports from South Sudanese officials denying the deployment of Ugandan forces, numerous videos and media reports substantiate Uganda’s claims of military involvement. The ongoing instability in South Sudan, driven by complex ethnic and political divisions, remains a critical concern, prompting Uganda to bolster its military presence in the region to avert further conflict that could lead to mass migration and humanitarian crises.
South Sudan possesses significant natural resources, including oil and fertile lands, which, if properly managed, could benefit both South Sudan and Uganda economically. In contrast to other interventions that have led to regional destabilization, Uganda aims to encourage stability in South Sudan to mitigate the risk of large-scale displacement of people affected by conflict.
In conclusion, Uganda’s deployment of special forces to South Sudan signifies its commitment to regional stability and support for President Salva Kiir. This military action follows a history of conflict in the nation, highlighting persistent political and ethnic divisions. Despite conflicting reports regarding the nature and extent of Uganda’s involvement, the operations aim to enhance security in Juba and prevent potential crises arising from ongoing violence. The economic potential of South Sudan underscores the importance of a stable and secure environment for both nations.
Original Source: moderntokyotimes.com
