The South Sudanese government has dismissed claims by Kenya's special envoy, Raila Odinga, regarding his visit to Uganda last week and his assertion that President Salva Kiir directed him to seek an audience with Uganda's Yoweri Museveni to discuss the status of First Vice President Riek Machar.
South Sudan Presidential Press Secretary David Amuor Majur, in a statement on Monday, refuted Odinga's remarks, terming them "unfounded and inconsistent with diplomatic norms." "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. "The suggestion that President Salva Kiir Mayardit requested Odinga to meet with the President of Uganda misrepresents diplomatic norms and principles." Odinga, who was sent by President William Ruto to assess rising tensions in South Sudan, met with Kiir on Friday, March 29, before traveling to Uganda.
Upon returning to Kenya, he claimed he was not allowed to meet Machar and that Kiir instructed him to speak with Museveni instead. "I traveled to Juba as an IGAD special envoy.
I met President Salva Kiir in his office.
