Dr. Riek Machar condemned Ugandan military forces in South Sudan, citing violations of sovereignty and international agreements, calling for immediate withdrawal. In contrast, South Sudan’s government defends the deployment as necessary under a past military pact. This tension poses a risk to the fragile peace and stability in the region.
Juba – Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, First Vice President of South Sudan, has formally condemned the presence of Ugandan military forces within South Sudan, terming it a breach of national sovereignty as well as international treaties. In a letter dated March 21, 2025, directed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, AU Peace and Security Commissioner Bankole Adeoye, and IGAD Chair Ismail Omar Guelleh, he urged for the withdrawal of Ugandan troops from South Sudanese territory.
Machar stated, “The Ugandan military intervention constitutes a grave violation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS)… and the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians, and Humanitarian Access (COHA).” He further accused Uganda of contravening UN Security Council Resolutions 2428 and 2731, noting that Ugandan forces engaged with armored units and conducted airstrikes against civilians in Upper Nile and Jonglei states.
He claimed, “The Ugandan forces are currently taking part in air strikes against civilians in counties of Nasir, Longechuk, and Ulang in Upper Nile State, and Akobo County in Jonglei State,” indicating serious concerns over Uganda’s military involvement.
Conversely, South Sudan’s Minister of Information, Michael Makuei Leuth, justified the Ugandan presence citing an earlier military agreement established during the conflict against the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). He asserted, “This agreement has not been nullified, but we use it when necessary,” highlighting the perceived necessity of Ugandan support for South Sudanese forces.
Support for the Ugandan deployment was echoed by Uganda’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus, which recognized Uganda’s historical role in maintaining stability and protecting lives. They deemed the deployment essential for averting regional disruptions.
The Ugandan military operation, designated “Mlinzi wa Kimya” (Guardian of Silence), commenced on March 11, 2025, deploying elite special operations forces through Juba International Airport and reinforcing from other border locations. The operation is led by Brig. Gen. Anthony Mbuusi Lukwago, a commander with substantial experience in previous military missions.
Machar has disavowed the validity of the 2014 Status of Forces Agreement, claiming it was not sanctioned by the current South Sudanese government. He emphasized that the Revitalized Agreement should take precedence, necessitating the removal of all foreign armed groups during the transitional phase. He pointed out that internal mechanisms could address incidents like those in Nasir without involving foreign military forces.
In a direct appeal to President Yoweri Museveni, he reminded him of his commitment to peace agreements and encouraged Uganda to take on a mediating role rather than a military position, stating, “Our expectation is that Uganda and H.E. President Museveni continue to play the instrumental role of ensuring the implementation of the Agreement that would lead to sustainable peace.”
Machar cautioned that the ongoing Ugandan intervention might lead to the disintegration of the fragile peace accord in South Sudan, which could undermine the country’s democratic transition. He stressed, “There is fear from our part that these challenges, including the Ugandan intervention, may lead to the collapse of the Agreement.” He called upon regional and international bodies to intervene and press for the withdrawal of Ugandan forces.
He concluded with a commitment to finding peaceful solutions through dialogue, stating, “Our conviction is that all violations… can only be addressed through dialogue among the parties with the support of the guarantors, regional and international partners.”
In summary, Dr. Riek Machar has vehemently denounced the deployment of Ugandan military forces in South Sudan, characterizing it as a violation of national sovereignty and international accords. He calls for their withdrawal to prevent potential destabilization of a fragile peace. Contrarily, South Sudan’s government defends this presence as a necessary support, adhering to a historical agreement. The situation presents significant challenges to ongoing peace efforts in the region.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
