Uganda deploys extra 7,000 troops in S. Sudan: Rebels
By Tesfa-Alem Tekle
February 9, 2015 (ADDIS ABABA) – Uganda has reportedly deployed an additional 7,000 troops in South Sudan over the weekend, according to officials from the SPLM in Opposition faction.
Rebel officials told Sudan Tribune on Monday that Uganda’s move is a clear violation of previous ceasefire deals signed between the warring parties, including the most recently signed peace deal.
South Sudan’s, president, Salva Kiir, and opposition leader Riek Machar last week signed a new agreement on a power-sharing formula as part of a renewed commitment to end hostilities.
Leaders of the two warring SPLM factions are due to resume negotiations on 19 February in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, in a bid to reach a comprehensive peace agreement.
However, rebel officials on Monday told Sudan Tribune that Uganda’s decision to expand its military involvement will seriously affect efforts to strike a final deal.
The regional bloc, Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which is mediating peace talks between the rival factions, has threatened to impose sanctions against those trying to hamper the peace process.
According to the rebel faction, Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni has deployed more than 16,000 troops since the conflict erupted in mid-December 2013.
“This is an absolute invasion on huge numbers. This is declaring an all-out war in South Sudan,” said Pout Kang, one of the rebel officials.
“We are calling on all South Sudanese; that we must stand firm. We should not allow our country turn into Congo that what was then by the same Museveni in Congo,” he added.
The rebels claim Museveni is planning to bring in even more troops, which would further fuel the conflict.
While the rebels said it still supports the mediation process, it has questioned IGAD’s credibility.
“Why would the same IGAD mediate and fight at [the] same time? IGAD can’t have three roles in this conflict. It should take one,” Kang said.
The rebels have called on leaders of the IGAD member states to press Museveni to withdraw his troops from South Sudan territories before the resumption of next round of peace talks.
The Ugandan president sent more than 3,000 troops to South Sudan, days after the youngest nation slide into conflict following political dispute within the ruling SPLM party.
Rebels allege that South Sudan pays Uganda $900 million per year to cover its military costs.
Meanwhile, Museveni has vowed not to withdraw Ugandan troops until a regional security force with enough capability to replace them is deployed.
Ethiopia announced on Thursday that it will deploy peacekeeping forces to South Sudan next month.
(ST)