Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and South Sudan President Salva Kiir
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Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been appointed as a Special Envoy to South Sudan by President William Ruto amid escalating tensions following the reported detention of First Vice President Riek Machar.
The appointment occurs as Kenya navigates a complex diplomatic landscape, facing scrutiny over its foreign policy strategy and strained relations with several nations. President Ruto announced the appointment via social media, emphasizing Kenya's dedication to regional stability. He stated that the decision followed consultations with regional leaders including President Salva Kiir of South Sudan, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia, and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, aiming for a coordinated de-escalation strategy.
“I had a telephone conversation with President Salva Kiir about the situation that led to the arrest and detention of First Vice President Riek Machar in South Sudan. After consultations with President Museveni and PM Abiy (Ethiopia) I’m sending a special envoy to South Sudan to engage, try to de-escalate and report back to us,” the President announced on his X platform yesterday.
Raila has reported meeting with President Kiir but cited restricted access to Machar due to the unstable environment. The United States has urged President Kiir to release Machar, expressing concerns via the Bureau of African Affairs regarding his house arrest and emphasizing the need to uphold peace commitments. Raila's mission is unfolding against a backdrop of existing diplomatic friction.
Recent months have seen tensions rise between Kenya and Serbia, Sudan, and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). Serbia condemned Kenya’s recognition of Kosovo's independence, while Sudan accused Kenya of harbouring opposition figures associated with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia. Analysts suggest that these diplomatic challenges could impact the effectiveness of Raila's mediation efforts in South Sudan.
His prior experience includes a conflict resolution mission in Ivory Coast in 2011, which drew criticism over perceived bias. Some experts caution that without formal backing from organizations like the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union, Raila's influence may be limited.
“When Kalonzo was appointed special envoy to South Sudan in 2019, there was evidence that stakeholders, including regional bodies, had been involved. In Raila’s case, there is no proof that those who need to be engaged are part of his mission,” Kagwanja observed.