South Sudan Envoy Raila Odinga/ RAILA ODINGA/XSpecial envoy to South Sudan Raila Odinga said on Saturday that he was unable to meet with the country's First Vice President Riek Machar during his visit to Juba aimed at finding amicable solution to renewed hostilities between government and rebel forces.
Raila flew to Juba on Friday on President William Ruto's request to try and neutralise tensions in the World's youngest nation following the arrest of Machar.
In a statement Saturday evening, Raila revealed that he was not granted permission to meet with Machar, who is currently under house arrest.
The ODM leader said despite his efforts, he was unsuccessful in convincing the South Sudanese leadership to allow him to meet with 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," he said.
Raila stated that he had an extensive conversation with South Sudan President Salva Kiir, who informed him that a general and 10 people had been killed in Nassir town.
Kiir said an investigation was underway and explained that this incident was the reason for placing Machar under house arrest.
Raila clarified that Kiir did not state that Machar was directly involved in the general's death but rather pointed to Machar's supporters.
"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 said.
Raila stated that after Juba, he traveled to Entebbe, Uganda, where he briefed President Museveni on the situation in South Sudan.
Museveni promised to reach out to President Salva Kiir.
Raila noted that the situation in South Sudan is still a work in progress.
"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 said.
After meeting Kiir, Raila expressed confidence that the crisis in South Sudan would be resolved amicably.
Raila said he was encouraged by the possibility of a resolution to the conflict.
“I will be briefing other regional leaders and President William Ruto on my mission and a possible roadmap to sustainable peace and stability,” he stated.
On Thursday, President William Ruto telephoned Kirr following reports of the arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar and announced that he had dispatched a special envoy to try and ease tensions.
Ruto noted that he consulted President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali before making the decision.
“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 deescalate and brief us back,” he wrote on X.
Raila flew to Juba on Friday at mid-day.
