Raila Odinga Steps In to Mitigate South Sudan Conflict Tensions

Kenya's former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has been appointed as a special envoy to address a growing rift in South Sudan, potentially averting a return to civil war. President Ruto's initiative aims to mediate tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar amidst escalating political discord.

Kenya's former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is set to play a crucial diplomatic role as a special envoy in South Sudan, aiming to prevent rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar from plunging the nation back into civil conflict.

Kenyan President William Ruto, chairman of the East African Community, initiated the move to dispatch Odinga amid fears of the country's fragile peace collapsing further. Odinga's mission follows discussions with key leaders, including Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni and Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

The detention of Machar in Juba and subsequent clashes involving ethnic militia have escalated fears of destabilization. Observers believe the political maneuvers reflect deeper issues of waning oil revenues and power dynamics as Juba attempts to consolidate control and implement the 2018 peace agreement.

(With inputs from agencies.)