Raila Claims South Sudan Denied Him Access to Arrested VP Riek Machar, Told to Visit Museveni
Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has expressed frustration after the South Sudan government blocked him from speaking with the country’s First Vice President, Riek Machar. Machar is currently under house arrest following his recent detention.
Speaking to the press on Saturday, Odinga said he met with South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir, who explained the reasons behind Machar’s arrest. According to Kiir, Machar was detained after a military general and ten others were killed in Nasir, a town in the Upper Nile region.
Despite Odinga’s request to meet Machar, South Sudanese authorities denied him access, citing ongoing investigations into the alleged killings.
Raila Odinga’s Statement on Machar’s Arrest
Odinga revealed that his discussions with President Kiir focused on the security situation in South Sudan. He was informed that Machar’s detention was necessary as investigations continued.
“I had a long discussion with President Kiir, who explained the challenges they are facing. He told me that a general and ten others were killed in Nasir, and they are investigating the matter,” Odinga said.
“Because of this, Vice President Riek Machar has been placed under house arrest. I requested to speak with him, but my request was denied,” he added.
Odinga Seeks International Intervention
After his meeting with Kiir, Odinga traveled to Entebbe, Uganda, where he held talks with President Yoweri Museveni. During their discussion, he updated Museveni on the situation in South Sudan and called for international intervention to prevent further conflict.
Odinga urged the United Nations and other global bodies to step in and ensure a peaceful resolution.
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“They have not yet made a direct connection between Machar and the killings, but they assured me that they would conclude investigations quickly. When I return to Juba, they promised to allow me to meet with Machar,” Odinga stated.
International Reactions to Machar’s Detention
Machar was arrested on March 26 when armed security officers stormed his residence in Juba. His bodyguards were disarmed, and he was taken into custody along with his wife, Angela Teny, who serves as South Sudan’s Interior and Coordination Minister.
His arrest has sparked widespread condemnation, with the United States and the African Union among the first to demand his immediate release. International organizations have expressed concerns that his detention could further destabilize the already fragile peace in South Sudan.
Conclusion
The political crisis in South Sudan remains tense, with growing calls for Machar’s release and a peaceful resolution. As investigations continue, the international community is closely watching how the situation unfolds. Raila Odinga remains hopeful that he will be granted access to Machar soon, as efforts to mediate the conflict continue.
Raila Claims South Sudan Denied Him Access to Arrested VP Riek Machar, Told to Visit Museveni
