Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, who is currently on a peace mission to South Sudan, met with President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Friday to discuss the country’s escalating security situation and efforts to restore stability.
Odinga, appointed by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has been tasked with assessing the ongoing security concerns and facilitating dialogue among South Sudanese leaders to revive the peace process.
His mission comes at a critical time as tensions continue to rise following recent political and security developments in the country. The meeting between Odinga and Kiir underscored the urgent need for dialogue to address the growing instability and its potential impact on the broader region.
After concluding his fact-finding visit to Juba, Odinga is expected to present a comprehensive report on South Sudan’s security and political landscape. This report will be pivotal as the region seeks to push for renewed dialogue and long-term stability.
Both Odinga and President Kiir emphasized the importance of South Sudan’s stability not only for the country itself but also for regional security, integration, and economic cooperation.
Following his meeting with President Kiir, Odinga traveled to Uganda, where he met with President Yoweri Museveni at State House in Entebbe.
In his capacity as a special envoy for Kenyan President William Ruto, Odinga briefed Museveni on the situation in South Sudan and discussed potential strategies to address the ongoing security concerns.
In a separate development, South Sudan’s government spokesperson, Hon. Michael Makuei, confirmed that several senior government officials had gone missing in Juba following the recent unrest.
Among those unaccounted for are Deputy Chairman of SPLM-IO and First Deputy Speaker Oyet Nathaniel, Minister of Water Resources Hon. Pal Mai, General Yiey Dak of the National Security Service, and other senior security officials. While reports suggest that these officials may have left the country, their whereabouts remain unknown.
Makuei also revealed that President Salva Kiir had ordered the security organs to place First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar under house arrest pending further investigations. This development signals increasing tensions within the government and a deepening political crisis.
In a related incident, more than 200 members of the SPLA-IO security organs have defected to the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), following recent confrontations between armed factions. Capt. Alison Lokule, speaking on behalf of the defectors, explained that their decision was motivated by a commitment to prevent further violence and contribute to peace in South Sudan.
Col. Joseph Amanda, also known as Alias, cited frustrations with the leadership’s failure to assign roles to officers after their graduation, as a key reason for their defection. “We were left without clear roles and responsibilities, which led many of us to reconsider our position,” he explained.
National Security Service (NSS) spokesperson, David John Kumuri, confirmed the defections, noting that the security organs have welcomed the officers and assured their safety.
“More than 200 officers from various units and training centers have now joined us,” Kumuri added, highlighting the growing shifts in South Sudan’s military landscape.
As South Sudan grapples with a volatile political and security environment, these developments highlight the urgent need for inclusive dialogue, decisive leadership, and international support to steer the country toward peace and stability.
