JUBA—First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar has expressed strong opposition to the deployment of Ugandan military forces in South Sudan, describing it as a violation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
In a statement obtained by The Juba Mirror News, Machar cited Articles 2.1.5 and 2.1.7 of R-ARCSS, as well as Article 7(4) of the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilians, and Humanitarian Access (COHA), which prohibit foreign military interventions in South Sudan.
Machar further noted that the Ugandan military, equipped with armoured vehicles and air force units, had entered South Sudan in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 2428 of July 13, 2018, which was extended by Resolution 2731 on May 30, 2024. Both resolutions impose an arms embargo on South Sudan.
Ugandan forces, according to Machar, have been conducting airstrikes in civilian areas, including Nasir, Longechuk, and Ulang counties in Upper Nile State, as well as Akobo County in Jonglei State.
Machar argued that the Status of Forces Agreement signed on Jan. 10, 2014, between Uganda and the then-government of South Sudan does not align with the provisions of R-ARCSS. He emphasized that Article 8.3
