Kenya's Diplomatic Mission: Odinga's Peace Envoy Role in South Sudan

Kenya is sending former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as a special envoy to South Sudan to address tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. The situation has escalated following Machar's house arrest, threatening the 2018 peace deal and stability in the region.

Kenya has appointed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as a special envoy to South Sudan to mediate rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. The decision comes amidst a brewing crisis as Machar remains under house arrest, putting a 2018 peace agreement at risk.

The peace deal that ended South Sudan's five-year civil war is being tested by recent developments, including Machar's detention. Accusations fly as government forces and militias clash, escalating fears of renewed conflict. President Kiir's forces have detained key Machar allies, exacerbating the fragile political climate.

Efforts to calm the situation see Odinga traveling to Juba as President Ruto and other regional leaders, including Uganda's Yoweri Museveni and Ethiopia's Abiy Ahmed, engage in diplomatic talks. Meanwhile, the African Union plans to deploy a respected panel to assist in peace efforts, as the threat of civil war looms again.

(With inputs from agencies.)