South Sudan’s First Vice President, Riek Machar Teny, says the deployment of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to South Sudan threatens peace and stability efforts and calls on the African Union Peace and Security Council and IGAD to intervene to save the revitalized agreement on the resolution of conflict in South Sudan and cessation of hostilities agreement signed in 2018.
Machar asserts that this military presence poses a significant threat to the country’s peace and its transition to a democratic system of governance.
In a statement addressed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday, March 23, 2025, Machar reported that UPDF units have been conducting bombing operations in Nasir, Longechuk, and Ulang counties of Upper Nile State, as well as Akobo County of Jonglei State.
Machar argues that these actions by the Ugandan military constitute a violation of Articles 2.1.5 and 2.1.7 of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), as well as Article 7(4) of the Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities, Protection of Civilian and Humanitarian Access (COHA).
He further contends that the UPDF’s entry into South Sudan, equipped with armored and air-force units, violates UN Security Council resolution 2428, extended by resolution 2731, which imposes an arms embargo on South Sudan.
Machar also points out that the Status of Forces Agreement, which initially invited the Ugandan military into South Sudan, was signed on January 10, 2014, before the establishment of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGONU). As such, he argues that the R-ARCSS takes precedence over this agreement, according to Article 8.3.
Machar insists that the situation in Nasir can be resolved peacefully through the Joint Defence Board (JDB) without external intervention. He also notes Uganda’s role as a mediator and guarantor of the revitalized peace agreement through IGAD, expressing disappointment that it is now engaged in military actions against the people of South Sudan.
Machar recalls President Museveni’s instrumental role in achieving both ARCSS and R-ARCSS and in creating the Security Supervision Mechanism (SSM).
He had hoped President Museveni would continue to ensure the implementation of the agreement, leading to sustainable peace, stability, and democratic elections in South Sudan.
Machar fears that continued bombing by Uganda could lead to the collapse of the revitalized peace agreement and impede the transition to democracy, stressing that violence is not a viable option and that challenges should be addressed through dialogue.
Machar said he has been seeking dialogue with President Salva Kiir Mayardit to strategize on de-escalating the current crisis.
He appeals to the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), IGAD, and the UN Security Council to intervene and urge Uganda to withdraw its military forces from South Sudan.
Machar concludes by reiterating his commitment to peace and the peaceful resolution of all challenges facing the country, including the implementation of the agreement.
