Cancellation of Secret Meeting Between Detained Machar and African Union Delegation in Juba
Juba South Sudan – June 25th, 2025
Juba – Juba Global News Network
High-level diplomatic sources reported the cancellation of a secret meeting scheduled between an African Union delegation and Riek Machar, the First Vice President of South Sudan who has been detained since last March, after President Salva Kiir refused to permit it.
The African Union delegation was officially visiting Juba to discuss humanitarian issues but sought behind the scenes to meet Machar as part of efforts to contain the political crisis. However, South Sudan’s leadership insisted on rejecting any communication before the completion of investigations against him regarding incitement of violence allegations.
For his part, Fal Mayi Deng, spokesperson for the opposition SPLM-IO, denied any knowledge of arrangements for the meeting, while observers warned of the repercussions of continued detention on the country’s stability, especially amid escalating military movements in some states.
This comes at a time when reports indicate increasing international pressure on the government to release Machar, amid warnings of the collapse of the fragile 2018 peace agreement.
Political Analysis Division – Juba Global News Network
