The clashes resulted in casualties and injuries on both sides, with thousands of civilians fleeing to forests, schools, and places of worship. The general command of the army in South Sudan confirmed that forces from both sides unexpectedly exchanged gunfire, while the Chief of Staff in Juba began urgent communications with his Ugandan counterpart to contain the escalation and determine the circumstances.
This tension follows months after Uganda announced in March the deployment of special forces inside South Sudanese territory, in a move described by observers as part of ongoing military support for President Salva Kiir Mayardit since the outbreak of the civil war in 2013.
The Ugandan President held talks with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir in the capital, Juba, recently, regarding the latest developments in South Sudan following the detention of Vice President Riek Machar and the regional concern over the fear of renewed civil war in South Sudan.
Museveni pointed out that the talks with President Salva Kiir would address issues related to the current political situation in the country, emphasizing that he looks forward to fruitful discussions that contribute to strengthening the relations between the two countries, focusing on stability and sustainable development.
South Sudan is experiencing tense conditions after the detention of Vice President Riek Machar, as leaders attempt to defuse the tension before matters spiral into a new civil war.
