Kenya sends special envoy to South Sudan over Machar's arrest

Kenya has dispatched a special envoy to South Sudan to discuss the circumstances surrounding the arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar with President Salva Kiir.

President William Ruto announced on social media that he had a telephone conversation with President Kiir on Thursday.

"I had a phone call with President Salva Kiir on the situation leading to the arrest and detention of the First Vice President Riek Machar in South Sudan. I’m sending a special envoy to engage, try to de-escalate, and brief us back," Ruto posted.

Had a phone call with Pres. Salva kiir on the situation leading to the arrest and detention of 1st vice Pres. Riak Machar in South Sudan. After consultations with Pres. Museveni and PM Abiy, I'm sending a special envoy to South sudan to engage, try deescalate, and brief us back. — William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) March 27, 2025

The decision was reached after consultations with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

Machar was placed under house arrest on Wednesday, according to his party, amid growing tensions that the United Nations has warned could push the world's youngest nation to the brink of civil war.

His acting press secretary, Puok Both Baluang, stated that South Sudan’s National Security Service detained Machar after security forces, led by the country’s defense minister and national security chief, allegedly stormed his residence. The officials reportedly disarmed his bodyguards and presented an arrest warrant under unclear charges.

The incident has raised concerns among regional leaders, prompting diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.