Ugandan Army Denies Chemical Weapons Use
The Ugandan army firmly rejected allegations on Friday regarding the use of “chemical or barrel weapons” in South Sudan, following a report from the United Nations about the deployment of a highly flammable liquid during aerial assaults. The UPDF, having dispatched special forces in March to support President Salva Kiir amid ongoing conflicts with forces loyal to his First Vice President Riek Machar, is seeking to dispel these claims.
In a statement released by army spokesman Chris Magezi, the Ugandan armed forces labeled these reports as “unsubstantiated and misleading,” specifically referring to social media suggestions that the Ugandan Airforce targeted White Army rebel positions in the Upper Nile and Jonglei states. Magezi emphasized the UPDF does not possess such weapons or delivery systems.
UN Condemns Civilian Casualties
Recent clashes in Nasir County, located in the northeastern Upper Nile State, have tragically resulted in numerous civilian casualties over several weeks. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) condemned these violent incidents on Monday, describing the indiscriminate attacks on civilians as deeply concerning and highlighting the devastating effect of explosives that contain a highly flammable liquid.
UNMISS head Nicholas Haysom articulated the severity of the situation, stating, “These indiscriminate attacks on civilians are causing significant casualties and horrific injuries, especially burns.” The ongoing violence has displaced approximately 63,000 individuals, underlining the urgent need for intervention in the region.
Historical Context of Uganda’s Involvement
Uganda’s military presence in South Sudan has been a point of contention, particularly following its recent actions which have drawn criticism from Machar’s party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO). The group has accused Uganda of violating a UN arms embargo, which adds a layer of complexity to the already fragile situation.
The Ugandan army has retaliated against these claims, accusing Machar and his faction of employing “AI-generated propaganda schemes” aimed at undermining the UPDF’s legitimacy in South Sudan. This clash of narratives illustrates the intense political strife surrounding the conflict.
Escalating Tensions Following Recent Arrest
The arrest of Riek Machar on Wednesday has further exacerbated tensions within South Sudan, raising concerns about the stability of the region. This event poses a significant risk to the fragile peace established by the 2018 accord, which aimed to end a brutal civil war that resulted in around 400,000 deaths over five years.
As the situation develops, the potential for renewed conflict looms large, prompting calls for a sustained commitment to the peace process from both domestic and international stakeholders.
