Juba, South Sudan – March 2025 – Riek Machar, the First Vice President of South Sudan, has made shocking allegations against Uganda, accusing it of egregiously violating a United Nations arms embargo by deploying military troops and conducting airstrikes within South Sudan’s sovereign territory. These serious claims emerge in the wake of escalating turmoil fueled by violent confrontations with the notorious White Army militia, an ethnic faction known for its fierce commitment to armed resistance against the government.

Machar’s Urgent Call for Accountability

In a fervent public address, Machar expressed his deep concerns regarding Uganda’s military actions, characterizing them as a blatant contravention of international law and a direct assault on South Sudan’s sovereignty. He passionately urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to undertake a thorough investigation into Uganda’s operations and to hold it accountable for allegedly supplying arms and orchestrating military actions without the consent of the divided South Sudanese factions. Machar’s compelling appeal highlights the fragility of the political landscape, where unwarranted military involvement could dangerously escalate tensions among competing groups.

Uganda’s Defense of Its Actions

In a forceful rebuttal, the Ugandan government has categorically denied any wrongdoing, insisting that its military presence was initiated solely at the request of South Sudan’s government, aimed at restoring peace in a region descending into chaos. Ugandan officials argue that their intervention is crucial to avert further bloodshed, especially as hostilities grow between South Sudanese government forces and the White Army militia. They assert that their troop deployments focus on enhancing border security and fostering stability in a region plagued by constant conflict and severe humanitarian crises.

Wider Regional and International Implications

The weight of these allegations has sparked considerable concern regarding the stability of the region, as fears mount that the escalating situation could unravel South Sudan’s delicate peace process. This endeavor has been tenuous since the end of the civil conflict. In 2018, the United Nations enforced an arms embargo on South Sudan to curtail the flow of weapons and military support, aiming to prevent a return to full-scale warfare. If Uganda’s military involvement is substantiated, the consequences could be far-reaching, potentially igniting diplomatic strife and increasing scrutiny from international organizations and human rights advocates.

As tensions rise, peace monitors and regional stakeholders are urgently appealing to all parties to engage in constructive dialogue and implement peaceful de-escalation strategies to prevent further conflict in South Sudan. The international community remains watchful, acutely aware that the region’s stability hinges on cooperative governance and unwavering adherence to international law.

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