By Matik Kueth
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and his counterpart, Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni, met on Thursday to discuss the country’s security and political unrest in the country.
Museveni, who was on a state visit to Juba, emphasized the importance of solidifying bilateral ties between Uganda and South Sudan, according to Ramadan Abdalla Goc, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The meeting comes after the controversial ‘house arrest’ of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar by the chief of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) amid escalating security concerns, with regional and international bodies urging an urgent de-escalation and dialogue among South Sudan’s leaders.
In a press briefing after the meeting, Goc, noted that their discussions centered on enhancing cooperation across various sectors between Juba and Kampala, as well as addressing the urgent political challenges facing the nation.
Meanwhile, Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in Charge of Regional Cooperation, John Mulimba, stated that the discussion focused on peace and security in both countries and the region.
According to the statement, government officials expect the talks to result in joint efforts that will deepen regional ties and increase stability.
This diplomatic engagement comes at the backdrop of a recent attack in Upper Nile State that killed Lt. Gen. Majur Dak, an SSPDF commander, and 27 soldiers. The South Sudanese government has accused Machar of orchestrating the attack, which his party, the SPLM-IO, vehemently denied.
Last week, Kenya’s special envoy, Raila Odinga, met with President Kiir but was unable to meet with FVP Dr. Riek Machar.
Odinga said President Kiir denied him access to meet with FVP Dr. Machar and instead referred him to Museveni, an allegation refuted by President Kiir’s press secretary, David Majur.
The African Union Panel of the Wise visited South Sudan on Wednesday, March 2, 2025, to discuss the country’s security, political, and humanitarian circumstances in the wake of Dr. Machar’s recent ‘house arrest’.
During their discussion with Kiir, Domitien Ndayizeye, former Burundian President and Head of the AU Panel of the Wise, underlined the Union’s commitment to fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and long-term peace in South Sudan.
The Panel, which will be in Juba for four days, has been scheduled to meet with the FVP. Dr. Machar on Friday.