South Sudan Refutes Raila’s Claims Over Denied Access to Machar

A diplomatic rift has emerged after Raila Odinga claimed South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir blocked him from meeting Vice President Riek Machar and insisted he see Uganda’s President Museveni first. Kiir’s office has firmly denied the claim, calling it a misinterpretation of diplomatic norms. Press Secretary David Amuor Majur clarified that Odinga’s Uganda visit was pre-arranged and not suggested by Kiir. However, he confirmed Machar was off-limits due to an ongoing investigation, though access may be granted in the future after consultations with Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) leaders. Odinga was dispatched by IGAD to mediate peace amid fears Machar’s detention could jeopardize South Sudan’s fragile 2018 peace deal and reignite conflict in the world’s youngest country.

Source: Kenyans.co.ke