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Ugandan military says not to deploy troops in South Sudan

Xinhua, July 12, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Ugandan military announced on Tuesday it will not unilaterally deploy troops in the neighboring South Sudan to stop the ongoing heavy fighting between two rival forces in the capital, Juba.

Lt. Col. Paddy Ankunda, Uganda People's Defence Forces spokesperson, told Xinhua by telephone that the East African country will not single handedly deploy troops in South Sudan, like it did in December 2013 to stop fighting troops between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar.

"We shall not unilaterally deploy in South Sudan. But as a region," said Ankunda.

Uganda deployed its troops in South Sudan in December 2013 after violence broke out in the country's capital Juba between troops loyal to President Kiir and his former deputy, Machar, who became opposition and rebel leader.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni deployed the troops after a request by his counterpart Kiir for evacuation of thousands of Ugandans and other foreigners who were trapped in the conflict, secure Juba airport and other strategic installations.

However, Uganda in November 2015 completed the withdrawal of its troops from South Sudan, two years since it deployed them there to stop fighting.

Uganda's withdrawal of about 2,500 troops was in compliance with a peace agreement signed between the countries warring parties, which stipulated all the foreign troops to withdraw from the country before the Oct. 10, 2015 deadline.

Ankunda on Tuesday told Xinhua that Uganda's military has deployed its troops along the common border with South Sudan to ensure the fighting doesn't spill over.

"We have enhanced border security. It is disappointing to see what is happening in South Sudan after all these efforts to stabilize the country," said Ankunda.

President Kiir and Vice President Machar on Monday evening ordered ceasefire respectively after days of heavy fighting between their forces in the capital Juba. Endit