Museveni arrives in Juba as AU, IGAD mediate South Sudan peace talks

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni arrived in Juba on Thursday for what his office described as "bilateral talks" with South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir.

This comes as regional leaders intensify efforts to salvage the fragile peace in Africa’s youngest nation.

Museveni has now joined the AU Panel of the Wise, which includes senior African statesmen such as former President of Burundi Domitien Ndayizeye and former Deputy President of South Africa Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. The panel will meet with Kiir, Vice Presidents, security officials, and regional partners.

The escalating tensions have prompted the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to intensify mediation efforts.

AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf announced the deployment of the AU Panel of the Wise to Juba from 2 to 6 April, calling for renewed dialogue among all parties.

“The Chairperson is dispatching a high-level delegation of the AU Panel of the Wise to Juba to engage with all stakeholders, de-escalate tensions, and promote dialogue,” Youssouf said on Monday.

The mediation mission is seen as crucial in reinforcing the AU and IGAD’s credibility in managing African conflicts.

“The African Union remains steadfast in supporting South Sudan’s peace process and transition to democracy. We are committed to working with all stakeholders to uphold the Revitalised Peace Agreement and ensure its full implementation,” Youssouf reiterated.

For many South Sudanese citizens, the situation feels like history repeating itself. The scars of war remain fresh, and fears of renewed conflict loom large.

Amid this uncertainty, hopes are pinned on regional leaders—despite their competing interests—steering the country away from the brink.

“We have seen enough war,” said James Deng, a resident of Juba. “We need leaders who can put aside their differences and bring lasting peace to our country.”

The recent detention of Machar, along with members of his family, two cabinet ministers, and several military officials linked to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), has reignited concerns of a return to full-scale conflict.

Behind the formal diplomacy lies an urgent mission—to prevent the collapse of the hard-won peace agreement that ended the country’s brutal five-year civil war in 2018.

Museveni’s visit follows another high-profile peace effort by Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga, who was dispatched to Juba last week as a special envoy to mediate between Kiir and his longtime rival, First Vice President Riek Machar.

However, Odinga returned to Nairobi after failing to meet Machar, raising concerns about the worsening political rift.

Amid growing concerns over Uganda’s deployment of Special Forces into South Sudan, ostensibly to protect its national interests, some critics warn that the move may be perceived as taking sides in the power struggle.

Uganda has historically been a strong ally of President Kiir, further complicating the delicate balance of negotiations.