South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir’s office has denied claims made by Raila Odinga, Kenya’s former prime minister and IGAD special envoy, that President Salva Kiir directed him to meet Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni before engaging with South Sudan’s Vice President Riek Machar.
According to South Sudan’s Presidential Press Secretary, David Amuor Majur, Odinga’s visit to Uganda was pre-arranged and not a directive from President Kiir.
Odinga had alleged that he was denied access to Machar, who is reportedly under investigation, and was instead advised to consult with Museveni.
South Sudanese officials have dismissed this as a misrepresentation of diplomatic norms.
“The claim is unfounded and does not accurately depict the reality of the situation,” he said.
Majur also said that reports of Machar and his wife being placed under arrest were unfounded and did not reflect reality.
“His Excellency President Kiir did not send Raila Odinga to President Museveni,” Majur emphasized.
Officials declined to provide a timeline for the investigation into the conflict or the status of Machar.
Despite the controversy, Odinga is expected to brief IGAD leaders on his diplomatic efforts to mediate peace in South Sudan.
Meanwhile, the security situation in South Sudan remains tense as government forces continue operations in areas affected by ongoing clashes between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army -in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).
