President Salva Kiir Declines AU Panel’s Request to Meet Riek Machar
President Salva Kiir has refused the African Union’s request to meet South Sudan’s First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, who is under house arrest. This decision shows the ongoing political tensions in South Sudan.
The AU sent a delegation to Juba to address the instability. Led by former Burundian President Domitien Ndayizeye, the delegation planned to meet Machar on Friday morning and President Kiir in the afternoon. They wanted to support the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.
However, President Kiir did not allow the meeting with Machar. He said no one could meet Machar until investigations were finished and he appeared in court. This decision has been criticized by the United Nations and the African Union, who warned that Machar’s detention could destabilize peace in South Sudan.
The AU delegation arrived in Juba on Wednesday and met with President Kiir. Few details emerged from this meeting, with only brief statements about the peace deal. Last week, President Kiir also denied Kenya’s special envoy, Raila Odinga, a meeting with Machar. Kiir reportedly referred Odinga to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, but this claim was later dismissed by South Sudan’s presidential press secretary, David Amuor Majur.
Not allowing the AU panel to meet Machar has serious implications for South Sudan. Politically, it could increase tensions and unrest among Machar’s supporters. The 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement is at risk, and Machar’s detention could lead to renewed violence.
Regionally, instability in South Sudan could affect neighboring countries. Internationally, the detention has drawn criticism from the United Nations and the African Union, which could strain South Sudan’s relations and impact international support. Humanitarian concerns are also significant, as renewed conflict could worsen food insecurity and displacement in South Sudan. These issues highlight the need for careful handling to prevent further destabilization.
