The Ugandan Parliament has approved the deployment of the UPDF to South Sudan following previous unauthorized military actions. Defense Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth stated the move falls under existing defense agreements and is crucial for maintaining regional stability. The deployment is supported by lawmakers who believe peace in South Sudan is essential for Uganda’s own security.
On Thursday, the Parliament of Uganda granted approval for the deployment of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) to South Sudan. This decision follows a prior deployment that occurred without parliamentary authorization, which contravenes legal procedures. The security landscape in South Sudan is precarious, with repeated violations of the Revitalized Agreement on Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), initially signed in 2018.
Recent developments include the arrest of the deputy army chief and two ministers in South Sudan, which an opposition spokesperson labeled a severe breach of the peace agreement. These arrests occurred amid hostilities in Upper Nile state between government forces and the White Army militia, which previously supported opposition leader Riek Machar during South Sudan’s civil war.
The conflict, ignited in 2013 due to a political rift between Machar and President Salva Kiir, has again escalated violence. In response, the Ugandan government had already sent initial troops to Juba, prompting a need for formal parliamentary approval. Minister of Defense Jacob Oboth Oboth presented a motion to legitimize the UPDF deployment, referencing prior defense agreements between Uganda and South Sudan.
Oboth explained that the UPDF’s current deployment aligns with the Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation and is necessary for addressing emerging security concerns in South Sudan that could adversely affect Uganda’s stability and regional interests. He noted President Kiir’s urgent request for military assistance to prevent a potential security disaster in South Sudan.
According to Oboth, the deployment of the UPDF not only reflects Uganda’s commitment to regional stability but also serves a larger purpose of safeguarding Ugandan and African interests. The minister highlighted the historical ties between Uganda and South Sudan, asserting that UPDF’s presence is vital for promoting peace and stability in both nations.
Gilbert Oulanya, the lawmaker from Kilak South, expressed strong support for the deployment, indicating that individuals from Northern Uganda, particularly the West Nile and Acholi regions, endorse the military presence. He emphasized that stability in South Sudan is intrinsically linked to peace in Uganda, advocating for parliamentary unity in supporting the deployment.
The Parliament of Uganda’s recent approval of the UPDF deployment to South Sudan underscores the urgent need for military intervention amidst escalating tensions. Historical ties and previous agreements between the two nations were central to this decision. Ensuring peace in South Sudan is deemed vital for Uganda’s stability and regional harmony, as echoed by lawmakers who advocate for support of the military action. Overall, this development illustrates Uganda’s commitment to African solidarity and security amidst challenging geopolitical circumstances.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
