Uganda Accused of Violating UN Arms Embargo in South Sudan

South Sudan's First Vice President, Riek Machar, accuses Uganda of breaching a UN arms embargo and violating a peace deal by deploying troops in South Sudan. Uganda's forces, said to protect against a security crisis, have conducted airstrikes, intensifying regional tensions and possibly leading to ethnic conflict.

South Sudan's First Vice President, Riek Machar, has alleged that Uganda breached a United Nations arms embargo by deploying armored and air force units into South Sudan to conduct airstrikes. He claimed that this action violated the 2018 peace agreement which ended a prolonged civil conflict. These allegations were made in a formal letter to the UN, African Union, and IGAD regional bloc.

Uganda justified the deployment, stating it was requested by South Sudan's government amidst a strained relationship between Machar and President Salva Kiir. The breakdown in relations came after government forces detained Machar's allies, following violent clashes with the White Army militia, whom the government links to Machar.

Tension further escalated when Ugandan forces allegedly conducted airstrikes near refugee-populated areas, risking regional stability. Both Uganda and South Sudan military representatives have not commented on these accusations. Meanwhile, Uganda's parliament recently approved its military's presence in South Sudan, highlighting concerns over a growing security crisis.

(With inputs from agencies.)