Kenya’s special envoy to South Sudan, Raila Odinga, recently concluded a series of diplomatic engagements aimed at addressing the escalating political tensions within the region. His efforts, however, have been met with both controversy and strong rebuttals from South Sudanese government officials.

Odinga’s initial visit to Juba involved discussions with President Salva Kiir regarding the prevailing political climate in South Sudan. Following this meeting, Odinga traveled to Uganda, a move that has since become a focal point of contention. Upon his return to Kenya, Odinga asserted that President Kiir had directed him to seek an audience with Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni to discuss the status of First Vice President Riek Machar. This claim was swiftly and firmly dismissed by the South Sudanese government.

David Amuor Majur, the Presidential Press Secretary of South Sudan, issued a statement refuting Odinga’s account. He emphasized that Odinga’s visit to Uganda was prearranged and not at the behest of President Kiir. “It is essential to clarify that Odinga’s mission to Uganda was prearranged and not a directive from the Government of South Sudan,” Amuor stated. He further added that the suggestion that President Kiir requested Odinga to meet with President Museveni misrepresents established diplomatic norms and principles.

Odinga's mission, initiated by Kenyan President William Ruto, was intended to assess the rising tensions in South Sudan. According to Odinga, during his meeting with Kiir in Juba on March 29, he was denied the opportunity to meet with First Vice President Riek Machar, who Odinga claimed was under house arrest. Odinga stated, “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 Museveni.”

South Sudanese officials have vehemently denied Odinga's version of events. They insist that Machar is not under house arrest and that Kiir never directed Odinga to consult with Museveni. Amuor stated, “This claim is unfounded and does not accurately reflect the reality of the situation. The Minister of Interior and the spouse of the First Vice President Dr Machar are not under arrest; she is performing her official duties.” He also clarified that Odinga’s diplomatic itinerary included planned visits to Ethiopia and Djibouti to meet with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Ismaïl Omar Guelleh.

Amuor reiterated South Sudan’s commitment to regional peace and security, urging all stakeholders to respect the nation’s sovereignty and internal processes.

Adding to the diplomatic unease, South Sudan has expressed outrage over the misrepresentation of its national symbols in Kenyan media coverage of Odinga’s return. During an interview with Odinga, a backdrop featuring Sudan’s flag, instead of South Sudan’s, was displayed. This error has been described as a grave misrepresentation, with South Sudanese officials demanding an apology.

These controversies unfold against a backdrop of heightened tensions in Juba, fueled by reports of Machar’s alleged house arrest. The Kiir government has accused Machar of mobilizing his SPLA-IO forces to incite political unrest. Information Minister Michael Makuei claimed that intelligence reports indicated Machar was plotting a rebellion. Machar’s faction, however, contends that his alleged detention signals the collapse of the 2018 peace agreement.

International bodies, including the United Nations, African Union, IGAD, and Western diplomatic missions such as the US, UK, and the European Union, have called for Machar’s release and the full implementation of the peace deal. The deteriorating security situation has led Germany and Norway to close their embassies in Juba, while the US and UK have scaled down their diplomatic staff, reflecting growing international concern over the stability of South Sudan.