Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has held talks with the European Union (EU) Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Annette Weber.
In a statement on Thursday, April 3, 2025, Odinga revealed that during the meeting, they discussed recent developments in South Sudan and exchanged views on the critical role that both regional leaders and the international community can play in preventing the further escalation of hostilities.
Raila emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts to stabilise South Sudan, which has long been marred by conflict and instability.
The discussions also highlighted the wider security concerns in the Horn of Africa.
“I held talks with European Union Special Representative for the Horn of Africa Annette Weber in Nairobi today. The envoy was accompanied by Henriette Geiger, ambassador of the EU to Kenya,” Odinga revealed.
“We exchanged views on developments in South Sudan and the role regional leaders and the international community can play to prevent the escalation of hostilities in South Sudan and the Horn of Africa.”
The envoy was accompanied by Henriette Geiger, the EU ambassador to Kenya.
South Sudan on Raila’s remarks
The meeting comes days after the South Sudanese government, through the President’s Press Secretary, David Amuor Majur, accused Odinga of misrepresenting some facts following his recent visit to Juba.
Addressing the press on Monday, March 31, 2025, Majur strongly refuted the claim that the South Sudan government directed Odinga to meet Uganda’s President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni after being denied a chance to meet First Vice President Riek Machar, who was under house arrest.
Majur insisted that Raila’s journey to Uganda was prearranged and not recommended by Salva Kiir’s administration, as he stated during his interview after landing back in Nairobi.
“Furthermore, the suggestion that his excellency General Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, requested the right honourable Raila Odinga to meet with the President of Uganda is misrepresenting diplomatic norms and principles,” Majur told the media.
“It is essential to clarify also that the right honourable Odinga’s mission to Uganda was prearranged and not directly from the government of South Sudan,” he added.
In his address to the media after landing, Odinga claimed that he flew to Uganda to meet Museveni after being denied a chance to meet Machar.
“I asked to be allowed to talk to Dr. Machar, but they were not able to let me see him. They recommended that I meet with (Ugandan) President Yoweri Museveni and update him on the situation,” he said.