By: Ginaba Lino
The Office of the President has dismissed claims made by Raila Odinga, the IGAD Special Envoy to South Sudan, regarding his visit to Uganda and an alleged directive from President Salva Kiir to seek permission from Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to meet opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar.
In a statement, Presidential Press Secretary Hon. David Amuor Majur refuted Odinga’s remarks, calling them unfounded and inconsistent with diplomatic norms.
“It is essential to clarify that Rt. Hon. Odinga’s mission to Uganda was pre-arranged and not a directive from the Government of South Sudan,” Majur stated.
He emphasized that South Sudan remains committed to fostering peace, stability, and security within its borders while maintaining constructive diplomatic relations with its neighbors and the international community.
“We deeply value our partnerships with the Republic of Kenya and IGAD member states, and we urge all stakeholders to respect South Sudan’s sovereignty and internal processes,” Majur added.
Odinga, who was sent by IGAD to assess escalating tensions in South Sudan, met President Kiir on March 29, 2025, before traveling to Uganda. Upon returning to Kenya, he claimed he was not allowed to meet Machar and was instructed by Kiir to seek an audience with Museveni instead.
“I traveled to Juba as an IGAD Special Envoy. I met President Salva Kiir in his office. You know that First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar is under house arrest with his wife and several others. I asked if I could meet him, but they refused, so Kiir instructed me to sit with President Museveni,” Odinga stated.
The South Sudanese government has dismissed this claim, reaffirming its commitment to managing internal political affairs without external interference.