Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has disclosed how a late-night message prevented him from traveling to South Sudan for a high-profile peace meeting.
Speaking during the Open Government Partnership (OGP) forum on Tuesday, Mudavadi explained that he was set to join a delegation heading to Juba to address the escalating conflict.
However, the worsening situation in South Sudan led to a decision for him to cancel his trip.
"One of the excuses I had given because I was supposed to join you yesterday, and I said I was not sure because, under IGAD, I was supposed to be part of a team going to Juba because the crisis is escalating again in South Sudan, so on Sunday at midnight the message came from the IGAD office that sorry you cannot now go because the tension is reaching dangerous levels," Mudavadi explained.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) organized a high-profile meeting among leaders to deliberate on the escalating tensions and frenzy in Juba, raising fears of a relapse into civil war.
Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) Musalia Mudavadi took the opportunity to challenge African governments to resolve conflicts that continue to destabilize nations across the continent.
Mudavadi noted that many African countries are falling behind due to persistent tensions and conflicts. He revealed that the situation had forced President William Ruto to chair a joint EAC-SADC meeting until midnight to deliberate on the crises that are taking a toll on Africa’s economy.
The tensions in Juba stem from clashes between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, with both sides accusing each other of violating the 2018 peace agreement.
These tensions have led to clashes between militia groups, ethnic divisions, political instability, and a worsening humanitarian crisis, which has displaced over 63,000 people and further deteriorated the region's humanitarian situation.
As a key member of IGAD, Kenya has taken an active role in addressing the conflict in South Sudan, emphasizing its commitment to regional peace and stability.
Previously, Mudavadi attended a peace meeting where he signed the IGAD Protocol on Transhumance, which focuses on cross-border pastoralism and peacebuilding efforts.
The PCS has been actively involved in discussions on regional stability, emphasizing the importance of resolving conflicts in South Sudan and other neighboring countries.
