Reclaiming Sovereignty: Why the UPDF Must Leave South Sudan Now

By Chudier JJ

South Sudan stands at a pivotal moment in its fragile journey toward peace and nationhood.

Amid this uncertainty, the continued presence of foreign military forces particularly the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) poses serious challenges that demand urgent and decisive action. Initially deployed at the request of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Government (SPLM-IG), the UPDF’s ongoing engagement has increasingly become a source of contention. It raises fundamental concerns about national sovereignty, human rights, and the prospects for lasting peace.

The sovereignty of South Sudan must be respected and safeguarded. The presence of foreign troops on South Sudanese soil undermines this principle and obstructs the country’s ability to develop independent, stable institutions.

As a young nation striving to heal from years of conflict, South Sudan must be given space to address its internal challenges without the undue influence of external military forces.

Foreign military involvement has rarely proven to be a solution to internal conflicts. Instead, it often deepens divisions, prolongs hostilities, and destabilizes fragile political landscapes.

The continued presence of the UPDF risks inflaming tensions among rival factions and complicating peace negotiations. South Sudan’s peace must be cultivated from within by its own people, on its own terms.

Moreover, the voices of the South Sudanese people are growing louder. While some may have once viewed foreign assistance as necessary, many now express deep frustration over the presence of foreign troops and the associated reports of human rights violations.

The will of the people cannot be ignored. A sustainable and just future must be built on the foundation of their aspirations, dignity, and agency.

Alongside the call for the UPDF’s withdrawal is an equally urgent demand for justice. The conflict in South Sudan has left behind a trail of suffering, and there can be no peace without accountability.

Allegations of atrocities committed by various armed actors, including the involvement of Uganda’s military leadership must be fully and impartially investigated.

Justice for victims is not optional—it is an absolute necessity. Countless South Sudanese have endured unspeakable violence. Holding perpetrators accountable through transparent legal processes is essential to restoring public trust and initiating genuine reconciliation. Without justice, the wounds of war will continue to fester, undermining any progress toward peace.

The international community must recognize its responsibility to act. Supporting investigations, enforcing accountability, and standing firm against impunity are critical steps.

When global actors stand united in defense of human rights, they reinforce the integrity of international law and signal that violations will not go unpunished.

A key part of this journey must include the establishment of truth and reconciliation commissions. These platforms can provide a space for victims to tell their stories, confront the past, and contribute to national healing.

By acknowledging the full scope of the conflict’s pain, South Sudan can begin to chart a path toward healing and unity.

The call for the withdrawal of the UPDF from South Sudan is more than a strategic demand. It is a moral and political imperative. It represents a collective plea for dignity, sovereignty, and self-determination.

Coupled with an unwavering pursuit of justice, this movement opens the door to a new chapter in South Sudan’s history—one defined by accountability, reconciliation, and hope.

The time to act is now. The global community must stand in solidarity with the South Sudanese people as they fight for peace, justice, and the right to determine their own destiny.