• Uganda has deployed special forces to South Sudan's capital, Juba, to support President Salva Kiir amidst escalating tensions.
• Rivalry between Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar is reigniting fears of a return to civil war following recent government arrests.
• The deployment reflects regional concerns regarding security and potential refugee flows in case of instability.

In a significant development, Uganda has deployed special forces to the South Sudanese capital, Juba, with the goal of supporting the fragile government led by President Salva Kiir. This move comes as rising tensions between Kiir and Deputy President Riek Machar threaten to unravel the peace established by a 2018 power-sharing agreement, raising concerns over a potential return to civil war. According to Uganda's military chief, Reuters, these troops are not on a peacekeeping mission but are deployed to secure the capital amid fears of an impending rebel advance.

The political landscape in South Sudan has become increasingly fraught, especially following the detention of several government officials allied with Machar. A Ugandan military spokesperson confirmed that the troops were deployed at the request of the South Sudanese government. However, South Sudan’s information minister Michael Makuei disputed these reports, causing confusion regarding the exact status of the Ugandan troops. As detailed by Africanews, the recent arrests and ongoing clashes symbolize a concerning regression from the hard-won peace.

Over the past weeks, fears of conflict resurgence have escalated, with the United Nations stressing the alarming outlook for South Sudanese peace and urging all parties to resolve tensions through dialogue. According to Al Jazeera, previous interventions by Ugandan forces were seen during earlier conflicts and have played a pivotal role in bolstering Kiir's rule. With persistent reports of violence, including an attack on a UN helicopter by hostile forces, both local and international observers are deeply concerned about the future stability of the region.

As the situation unfolds, the Ugandan government remains alert to the implications of a full-scale conflict, which could lead to significant refugee flows into Uganda, exacerbating regional instability. The need for strong, decisive action has never been more pronounced as both leaders face immense pressure to adhere to the terms of the peace deal.