The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Raila Odinga, the Special Envoy to South Sudan, revealed on Saturday that he was unable to meet with the country’s First Vice President, Riek Machar, during his visit to Juba.
The visit aimed to seek a peaceful resolution to the renewed conflict between the government and rebel forces.
Raila traveled to Juba on Friday at the request of President William Ruto to help ease tensions in South Sudan following Machar’s arrest. However, Raila stated that he was denied permission to meet with Machar, who is currently under house arrest.
In a statement issued on Saturday evening, Raila explained that despite his efforts, he could not persuade the South Sudanese government to allow him to meet Machar. “I asked to speak with Dr. Machar, but they were unable to facilitate the meeting. Instead, they suggested I speak with (Ugandan) President Yoweri Museveni to update him on the situation,” he said.
Raila also shared that he had a lengthy discussion with South Sudan President Salva Kiir, who informed him of a recent incident in Nassir town, where a general and 10 others were killed. Kiir clarified that an investigation was underway and explained that the incident led to Machar being placed under house arrest. However, Kiir did not directly link Machar to the general’s death, instead suggesting that militia groups associated with Machar might be involved.
“They are suggesting it was a militia tied to him, but they haven’t made a direct link between Machar and the killing of the general. We hope the investigation will conclude soon,” Raila said.
Afterward, Raila traveled to Entebbe, Uganda, to brief President Museveni on the situation in South Sudan. Museveni assured Raila that he would contact President Kiir.
Raila emphasized that the situation in South Sudan still requires international attention. He expressed satisfaction with the United Nations’ involvement and stressed that the crisis calls for international security intervention.
Following his meeting with Kiir, Raila expressed optimism that the conflict in South Sudan would be peacefully resolved. He added that he would be updating other regional leaders, as well as President Ruto, on his mission and a potential roadmap to lasting peace and stability.
On Thursday, President Ruto had contacted President Kiir about Machar’s arrest and announced that he would be sending a special envoy to help de-escalate tensions. Ruto had consulted with President Museveni and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali before making the decision.
