Tensions Flare as Uganda Accused of Violating U.N. Arms Embargo in South Sudan

Riek Machar, South Sudan's First Vice President, has accused Uganda of breaching a United Nations arms embargo by intervening in South Sudan with military units. Machar alleges Uganda's actions contravene a 2018 peace agreement. Uganda's involvement purportedly stems from a request by South Sudan's government following internal conflicts.

South Sudan's First Vice President, Riek Machar, has made serious allegations against Uganda, accusing it of violating a United Nations arms embargo with military interventions in South Sudan. Speaking through a letter to the U.N., African Union, and IGAD, Machar claims that Uganda's actions have breached a 2018 peace agreement.

Uganda, however, responds by stating its military presence in South Sudan was requested by the South Sudanese government amidst strained relationships between Machar and President Salva Kiir. Tensions escalated as security forces detained key allies of Machar following clashes with the White Army militia in the northeast.

Fears of renewed ethnic conflict and regional instability loom, with warnings from the U.N. about heightened hate speech. Meanwhile, Machar's camp condemns recent Ugandan airstrikes, urging international pressure for troop withdrawal. Uganda's military denies immediate violations, as government forces allegedly targeted Machar-aligned camps.

(With inputs from agencies.)