Mudavadi Breaks Silence on IGAD’s Warning That Halted His South Sudan Visit
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi revealed a dramatic, late-night intervention that abruptly canceled his planned trip to South Sudan.
He was scheduled to join a critical peace delegation in Juba, aimed at addressing the rapidly escalating conflict.
Speaking at the Open Government Partnership (OGP) forum, Mudavadi explained the sudden change of plans. “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,” he stated.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) had convened a high-level meeting to tackle the rising tensions in Juba, which threatened to plunge the region back into civil war.
Mudavadi used this incident to urge African governments to proactively resolve conflicts hindering continental progress.
He highlighted that persistent instability is significantly impeding Africa’s development. President William Ruto, he noted, had even chaired a late-night joint EAC-SADC meeting to address these crises, which are heavily impacting the African economy.
The current turmoil in Juba is rooted in clashes between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, with both sides trading accusations of violating the 2018 peace agreement.
These tensions have ignited militia clashes, exacerbated ethnic divisions, fueled political instability, and worsened a dire humanitarian crisis. Over 63,000 people have been displaced, further destabilizing the already fragile region.
Kenya, as a pivotal IGAD member, is actively engaged in efforts to resolve the South Sudan conflict, underscoring its commitment to regional peace.
Mudavadi has previously participated in peace initiatives, including signing the IGAD Protocol on Transhumance, focusing on cross-border pastoralism and peacebuilding. His ongoing involvement in regional stability discussions highlights the critical need to resolve conflicts in South Sudan and neighboring nations.
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Mudavadi Breaks Silence on IGAD’s Warning That Halted His South Sudan Visit
