Raila Odinga Denied Access to Meet Riek Machar Amid South Sudan Crisis
Special envoy to South Sudan, Raila Odinga, revealed on Saturday that he was unable to meet with the country’s First Vice President, Riek Machar, during his diplomatic visit to Juba. The visit was aimed at finding a peaceful resolution to the renewed hostilities between the South Sudanese government and rebel forces.
Raila, who flew to Juba on Friday at the request of President William Ruto, sought to ease tensions following the arrest of Machar. However, he disclosed that despite his efforts, he was not granted permission to speak with Machar, who remains under house arrest.
South Sudan Leadership Blocks Meeting
In a statement on Saturday evening, the ODM leader expressed disappointment over the South Sudanese leadership’s refusal to allow him access to Machar. “I asked to be allowed to talk to Dr. Machar, but they were not able to let me see him. They recommended that I meet with (Ugandan) President Yoweri Museveni and update him on the situation,” Raila said.
Raila further noted that he had an extensive discussion with South Sudan President Salva Kiir, who informed him that a general and ten others had been killed in Nassir town. Kiir explained that an investigation was underway and suggested that this incident was the primary reason for placing Machar under house arrest.
Allegations Against Machar’s Supporters
Raila clarified that while Kiir did not directly link Machar to the general’s death, the South Sudanese government believes that a militia linked to Machar might have been involved. “They are saying it is some militia linked to him, but they have not made a direct connection between him and the killing of the general. We hope they will finalise this matter soon,” he added.
Following his meeting with Kiir, Raila traveled to Entebbe, Uganda, where he briefed President Museveni on the unfolding crisis in South Sudan. Museveni, in response, assured Raila that he would reach out to President Kiir to further discuss the matter.
Calls for International Intervention
Raila stressed the need for international attention on the South Sudan crisis, emphasizing the role of global security agencies in ensuring stability in the young nation. “The situation requires international attention. I’m happy that the United Nations is engaged in what’s happening in South Sudan. I believe it is a situation that warrants international security intervention,” he stated.
Despite the ongoing tensions, Raila expressed optimism that a peaceful resolution could be achieved. “I will be briefing other regional leaders and President William Ruto on my mission and a possible roadmap to sustainable peace and stability,” he affirmed.
Ruto’s Involvement in De-escalation Efforts
President William Ruto had earlier engaged President Kiir in a phone call following reports of Machar’s arrest. Ruto later announced that after consultations with President Museveni and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, he had decided to dispatch a special envoy to South Sudan to help de-escalate the situation.
“Had a phone call with President Salva Kiir on the situation leading to the arrest and detention of 1st Vice President Riek Machar in South Sudan. After consultations with President Museveni and PM Abiy, I’m sending a special envoy to South Sudan to engage, try to de-escalate, and brief us back,” Ruto posted on X.
With South Sudan remaining a hotspot for conflict, all eyes are now on regional leaders and international bodies to step in and facilitate peace efforts in the country.
In other news:President Ruto Sends Raila to South Sudan Amid Crisis Following VP Riek Machar’s Arrest
Raila Odinga Denied Access to Meet Riek Machar Amid South Sudan Crisis