Uganda has confirmed that it has deployed troops to South Sudan amid rising tensions in the region. Felix Kulayigye, the spokesperson for Uganda’s army, acknowledged the deployment but did not provide specific details.
The situation in South Sudan is becoming increasingly concerning. On Tuesday morning, the South Sudanese government did not immediately respond to reports of the Ugandan troops’ presence. However, Information Minister Michael Makuei later stated that no Ugandan soldiers were in the capital, Juba.
The urgency around security in South Sudan has escalated, prompting the United States to order the evacuation of non-emergency staff from the country over the weekend. This decision reflects growing fears about stability in the region.
Recent events have heightened these concerns. Last week, South Sudan’s deputy army chief and two ministers, all allies of opposition leader Riek Machar, were arrested by security forces. This move was labeled a "grave violation" of the peace agreement by an opposition spokesperson. One of the ministers has since been released.
These arrests followed violent clashes in Upper Nile state between government forces and a militia group known as the White Army. This militia had previously fought alongside Machar during South Sudan’s civil war, which began in 2013 due to a power struggle between Machar and President Salva Kiir. The conflict resulted in over 400,000 deaths and left deep scars in the nation.
Although a power-sharing agreement was reached in 2018 to end the fighting, many key aspects of this deal remain unfulfilled. These include the establishment of a new constitution, the holding of elections, and the integration of various armed groups into a unified military force.
As the situation evolves, the international community is closely watching developments in South Sudan, hoping for a return to peace and stability.