African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson, Mahmoud Youssouf Ali, has stepped in to de-escalate the situation in South Sudan after Raila Odinga revealed that he was denied a chance to meet South Sudan's First Vice President, Riek Machar, who is under house arrest. In a statement released by the African Union on Monday, March 31, Mahmoud revealed he had engaged in direct talks with President Salva Kiir.
The AUC chair further revealed the talks were cordial, and the two leaders talked on the importance of embracing dialogue to quell growing tensions in South Sudan. "After cordial direct talks with President Salva Kiir, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission addressed the evolving political situation in South Sudan and the recent violence in Nasir," the statement read.
President William Ruto and South Sudan president Salva Kiir.
PHOTO/ William Ruto Twitter Further, Mahmoud revealed plans to dispatch a panel to South Sudan as part of greater efforts to enhance the ongoing mediation.
