Foreign Troops Stir New Debate in Juba
A routine session of South Sudan’s Transitional National Legislative Assembly shifted focus after lawmakers demanded the withdrawal of Ugandan People’s Defence Forces operating inside the country, stating that no parliamentary mandate had ever been granted to Kampala’s troops.
Their request emerged during debate on a joint committee report tracking the April–June 2025 implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, an exercise meant to audit security benchmarks.
Parliament Questions Legality of UPDF Presence
Legislators from both the SPLM and SPLM-IO argued that the executive bypassed constitutional procedures by inviting a foreign army without consulting elected representatives.
“Parliament is not a rubber stamp; we represent the people,” David Yien Bilieth told the chamber, cautioning against precedents that weaken checks and balances.
Security Impact Along Fragile Borders
Several MPs linked the foreign deployment to rising skirmishes along the Kajo-Keji and Magwi corridors, claiming villagers face harassment that fuels local resentment.
Defence analysts note that border incidents, even if isolated, complicate humanitarian access and strain already fragile state capacities.
Regional Diplomacy and the Peace Deal
Observers say Kampala’s 2013 intervention to shield Juba from rebel advances still shapes bilateral security ties, yet the Revitalized Accord emphasises regional forces must be invited through consensus.
Uganda has not publicly commented on the current parliamentary debate, while the East African Community generally encourages member states to coordinate deployments under clear legal frameworks.
Awaited Briefings and Possible Outcomes
The Assembly adopted the committee report and resolved to summon the ministers of defence and interior for a comprehensive briefing before deciding further measures.
Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba assured members that schedules for the briefings would be announced soon, underscoring parliament’s intent to assert its constitutional oversight role without undermining ongoing peace processes.