South Sudan’s government denied reports that Uganda had deployed special forces to Juba, despite Uganda’s military chief, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, claiming the soldiers were sent to help secure the city amid rising tensions between President Kiir and his deputy, Riek Machar.

Concern over South Sudan’s security grew after arrests of Machar’s allies and clashes in Upper Nile state, the BBC has reported.

The U.S. ordered the evacuation of non-emergency staff, and fears of a return to conflict are rising, as key elements of the 2018 peace deal remain unfulfilled.

Written by B.C. Begley