Salva Kiir protests Raila stand on South Sudan crisis
South Sudan President Salva Kiir (right) after holding talks with Kenya's special envoy Raila Odinga and in Juba
A diplomatic row has erupted between South Sudan and Kenya's special envoy Raila Odinga after President Salva Kiir's government rejected the former prime minister's claims about the political crisis in Juba.
The South Sudanese government denied Mr Odinga's allegations that Interior Minister Angelina Teny, the wife of First Vice President Riek Machar, was also under house arrest.
The Sudanese government also denied reports that President Kiir had asked Mr Odinga to mediate with Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni.
This comes as the African Union Commission (AUC) sent a high-level delegation from the AU Panel of the Wise to Juba to engage with all stakeholders to try and de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue.
"To enhance mediation efforts and support the full implementation of the Revitalised
Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), ... the AU calls on all parties to uphold all the provisions of R-ARCSS and ensure its full implementation," read a statement by the AU.
AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Youssouf Ali said the commission remains actively engaged with regional and international partners, including IGAD, the EAC and the UN, to support South Sudan's transition to lasting peace and democracy.
Mr Odinga's quest for peace in South Sudan appeared to have caused a rift with Juba.
Speaking at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on arrival from his mission on Saturday, Mr Odinga claimed that Mr Machar and his wife, among others, had all been placed under house arrest.
"I requested to speak with Dr Machar, but they were unable to allow me to meet him. Instead, they directed me to meet with President Museveni, which I did. From Juba, I then proceeded to Entebbe," Mr Odinga said.
But in a press statement by President Kiir's press secretary, David Amuor Majur, the South Sudanese government noted that Mr Odinga, in his capacity as a special envoy, was scheduled to travel to Uganda to formally brief President Yoweri Museveni on the outcome of his discussions with President Kiir.
"However, the Government of South Sudan feels compelled to address and clarify certain aspects of Hon Odinga's statements made following his meeting which do not accurately reflect the context or purpose of his visit nor the diplomatic practices upheld by our nation," read the statement in part.
In his remarks, Mr Odinga said Mr Machar and his wife were all under house arrest and he was denied the opportunity to speak with them.
He explained that President Kiir had instructed him to contact President Museveni instead.
But the Sudanese government refuted Mr Odinga's claims.
"The Government of South Sudan respectfully refutes the assertion that Hon Angelina Teny, the Minister of Interior and spouse of the First Vice President, is under house arrest. This claim is unfounded and does not accurately depict the reality of the situation," the government said.
Furthermore, the suggestion that Mr Kiir asked Mr Odinga to meet with the President of Uganda is a misrepresentation of diplomatic norms and principles, the statement added.
"It is essential to clarify that Hon Odinga's mission to Uganda was prearranged and not a directive from the Government of South Sudan."
The Sudanese government, however, said it remained committed to promoting peace, stability and security within its borders.
"We are dedicated to nurturing constructive diplomatic relations with our neighbouring countries and the broader international community. We deeply value our partnerships with the Republic of Kenya and the IGAD member states, and we urge all stakeholders to respect the Republic of South Sudan's sovereignty and internal dynamics."
