NAIROBI, Kenya– Raila Odinga is stepping into a new diplomatic role as Kenya’s special envoy to South Sudan, marking a fresh chapter in his evolving political relationship with President William Ruto.
His first order of business? De-escalating tensions following the arrest of South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar, a move that has rattled the region and raised fears of renewed conflict.
Odinga was expected to land in Juba on Friday morning, where he would meet with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and Machar’s allies.
His mission is clear: ease tensions and prevent the unraveling of the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement, which has kept South Sudan relatively stable.
The decision to send Odinga comes after Ruto consulted with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, key regional players invested in maintaining peace in South Sudan.
Raila heads to Juba as special envoy to mediate South Sudan tensions ntvkenya.co.ke/news/raila-hea…
Why South Sudan Is on the Brink—Again
South Sudan’s fragile peace agreement is once again under threat. The crisis escalated this week after President Kiir placed Machar under house arrest, raising concerns about a potential return to full-scale war.
This latest standoff follows a series of political clashes within the coalition government, with Kiir frequently dismissing ministers without consultation, a move that violates the peace agreement.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which brokered the peace deal, has issued a stark warning, saying the arrest of Machar and his wife, Angelina Teny, could destabilize the country.
IGAD’s executive secretary, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, called on all parties to exercise restraint and resolve differences through dialogue rather than force.
“This trajectory, if left unchecked, could lead to the collapse of the transitional process and a relapse into full-scale war,” IGAD cautioned in a statement.
The 2018 peace deal created the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGONU), bringing together Kiir, Machar, and various armed factions.
Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia played key roles in brokering the agreement, but recent developments suggest it could be falling apart.
The Special Envoy (Raila Odinga) 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. ~ Foreign Affairs PS
Odinga’s Diplomatic Play—Can He Succeed?
This isn’t Odinga’s first peace envoy assignment. In 2011, the African Union sent him to Côte d’Ivoire, where he attempted—unsuccessfully—to mediate between then-President Laurent Gbagbo and his rival, Alassane Ouattara.
His efforts were met with resistance, as Gbagbo accused him of taking sides.
However, South Sudan presents a different kind of challenge. With his history as a statesman and his deep ties in East African politics, Odinga is seen as a credible negotiator.
His appointment also signals a shift in his relationship with Ruto, a former political adversary now entrusting him with a crucial diplomatic mission.
South Sudan Crisis:President Ruto appoints Raila as special envoy to S. SudanRaila Odinga set to travel to Juba early Friday2018 peace deal in jeopardy after Riek Machar’s arrestMachar detained alongside his wife, Interior Minister Angelina TenyReports indicate armed
As Odinga heads to Juba, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Can he broker peace in a nation that has known little stability?
The coming days will determine whether Kenya’s newest envoy can help steer South Sudan away from another devastating conflict.
