Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni arrived in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, on Thursday for high-level discussions aimed at preventing further instability following the house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar last week.
Museveni, a key guarantor of the 2018 peace agreement, was received at Juba International Airport by South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit and senior government officials. His visit comes at a critical time, as Machar’s detention has heightened political tensions and raised fears of renewed conflict.
“I have arrived in South Sudan at the invitation of His Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit. I look forward to our discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation between our two nations,” Museveni’s press office stated.
During his visit, Museveni is scheduled to meet with President Kiir and discuss the growing crisis. There are also expectations that he may seek talks with Machar, whose confinement follows weeks of escalating clashes between his forces and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces near Juba.
The situation has drawn concern from regional leaders and international bodies, who have urged all parties to exercise restraint and work toward de-escalation. Museveni’s intervention is seen as a crucial step in salvaging the fragile peace process and preventing a slide back into conflict.