President William Ruto has appointed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as the Special Envoy to South Sudan, following escalating tensions in the East African nation. The appointment comes after the arrest of South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar and his wife, Angelina Teny, an incident that has raised concerns about stability in the fragile country.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei confirmed the appointment, stating that Raila is currently in South Sudan engaging with key stakeholders to help ease the situation. Raila traveled to Juba to deliver a message from President Ruto to both President Salva Kiir and Vice President Machar, as well as other key figures involved in the peace process.
“President William Ruto, who is also the chair of the East African Community, has requested former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to be his special envoy to South Sudan. The Special Envoy is presently engaged with the escalating situation in our sisterly country, including traveling to Juba to convey the President’s message to President Kiir and Vice President Machar, as well as to critical stakeholders in Juba,” said Sing’Oei.
Machar and his wife were placed under house arrest on Wednesday night, a move that has heightened political tensions in the country. This follows weeks of violent clashes between Machar’s forces and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces near the capital.
Regional leaders and international bodies have been calling for restraint and de-escalation. In response to the growing crisis, President Ruto held a phone conversation with President Salva Kiir on Thursday to discuss the situation. He later announced his decision to send a special envoy to South Sudan, a move he said was made in consultation with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali.
“Had a phone call with President Salva Kiir on the situation leading to the arrest and detention of 1st Vice President Riak Machar in South Sudan. After consultations with President Museveni and PM Abiy, I’m sending a special envoy to South Sudan to engage, try to de-escalate, and brief us back,” Ruto wrote on X.
Raila’s appointment as special envoy underscores Kenya’s commitment to regional peace efforts and stability in South Sudan. His vast diplomatic experience is expected to play a crucial role in fostering dialogue and preventing further escalation.
