Museveni Hosts South Sudan Special Envoy Odinga as Regional Leaders Seek End To Tensions

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has welcomed Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former Prime Minister and President William Ruto’s special envoy for South Sudan, to discuss the escalating security crisis in the war-torn nation.

The meeting comes amid growing tensions in Juba, where First Vice President Riek Machar has reportedly been placed under house arrest, prompting international concerns.

“We discussed the security situation in South Sudan,” President Museveni stated, highlighting Uganda’s commitment to regional stability.

Odinga also met with South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir with reports saying he has been given a task by the IGAD to assess the situation.

South Sudan President Kiir conferred with the former Prime Minister of Kenya, Rt. Hon Raila Odinga, who is on a peace mission to South Sudan.

Mounting Tensions in South Sudan

The situation in South Sudan has worsened in recent days:

• Riek Machar Under House Arrest: Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) confirmed that Machar and his wife, Angelina Teny, have been confined, fueling fears of a political crackdown.

• U.S. Calls for Machar’s Release: Washington’s Bureau of African Affairs condemned the move, urging President Salva Kiir to reverse the action and avoid escalating tensions.

• Germany Closes Embassy in Juba: Citing security concerns, Germany has shut down its diplomatic mission in South Sudan, joining the U.S. in warning of deteriorating conditions.

• U.S. Reduces Embassy Staff: The U.S. Embassy in Juba has scaled down operations, advising its citizens to leave the country while commercial flights are still available.

• UPDF Reinforces Mission: Uganda has reportedly strengthened its military presence in South Sudan, with former AMISOM commander Gen. Lukwago taking charge of operations.

Regional Mediation Efforts Intensify

Odinga’s visit to Uganda is an indication of growing efforts by East African leaders to prevent South Sudan from sliding back into full-scale conflict. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has warned that the country is “on the brink,” urging parties to uphold the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.

The renewed political tensions raise concerns over South Sudan’s fragile peace process ahead of the much-anticipated 2024 elections, which were expected to be the country’s first since independence, but were postponed.