Uganda has deployed special forces to South Sudan's capital, Juba, to support President Salva Kiir amid escalating tensions with First Vice President Riek Machar, raising concerns about a potential return to civil war.
The Ugandan military's involvement aims to prevent a rebel advance on Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
The deployment highlights growing instability as fighting continues in the north of the country, where a rebel militia allied with Machar is active.
Tensions escalated after a South Sudanese general was killed when a UN helicopter was attacked during an evacuation mission, and government troops surrounded Machar's home, detaining several allies. Kiir and Machar's rivalry threatens the fragile peace established by a 2018 deal, essential for the country's political stability.
The U.S. has ordered the evacuation of nonemergency personnel from Juba, while the UN warns of significant regression in South Sudan's progress.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has a history of supporting Kiir, having previously deployed troops to South Sudan during past conflicts. The current deployment underscores Uganda's commitment to maintaining stability in the region.
The 2018 peace agreement ended a five-year civil war that claimed nearly 400,000 lives. However, recent developments, including the detention of officials allied with Machar and clashes in the northern town of Nasir, jeopardize the fragile peace.
Uganda's intervention aims to prevent further instability that could lead to a humanitarian crisis and an influx of refugees into neighboring countries. The duration of the Ugandan troops' stay in South Sudan remains uncertain.
