Raila Odinga Meets South Sudan President Salva Kiir, Ignores Detained Vice President Riek Machar
Juba, South Sudan — March 15, 2025:
Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga visited South Sudan on Friday and met only with President Salva Kiir. He did not meet or reach out to the detained First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, who leads the armed opposition in the unity government.
Odinga said his meeting with Kiir focused on the worsening political situation in South Sudan, which has become tense after Dr. Machar’s house arrest.
“Earlier today, on an IGAD mission, I had a detailed and fruitful discussion with my brother, President Salva Kiir, in Juba regarding the political situation in the country,” Odinga said on Friday evening.
Without meeting Dr. Machar, Odinga expressed hope that the conflict could be resolved.
“I am encouraged by the possibility of a resolution. I will brief other regional leaders and President William Ruto on my mission and a possible roadmap for peace and stability,” he added.
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Why Riek Machar Was Detained
The government of President Kiir has accused Dr. Machar of planning a rebellion to destabilize the country. On Friday, South Sudan’s Information Minister, Michael Makuei, said intelligence reports showed that Machar was mobilizing his SPLA-IO forces to cause chaos. He was placed under house arrest on Wednesday.
In response, the SPLA-IO warned that Machar’s arrest threatens the fragile peace deal signed in 2018.
International Community Calls for Machar’s Release
Several international bodies and countries have condemned the arrest of Dr. Machar:
- United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged President Kiir to release Machar and restore the unity government created in 2018.
- African Union Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the AU will send a peace mission led by retired Kenyan Judge Effie Owuor.
- Western diplomatic missions including the US, UK, France, Norway, Netherlands, Germany, and the EU demanded Machar’s release.
- IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) said the arrest of Machar undermines the peace agreement.
Embassies Closed Due to Rising Tensions
The security situation in South Sudan continues to get worse. Germany and Norway have closed their embassies in Juba, while the United States and the United Kingdom have reduced their staff.
Raila Odinga Meets South Sudan President Salva Kiir, Ignores Detained Vice President Riek Machar
