Kenya deploys police officers to South Sudan amid escalating tensions after Machar's arrest
President William Ruto on Thursday said he had called President Kiir to discuss the situation leading to Machar’s arrest and detention.
Kenya is deploying four police specialists to South Sudan as part of the United Nations peacekeeping mission, amid escalating tensions following reports of the alleged house arrest of South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja briefed the officers before their deployment under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
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The officers, drawn from the Kenya Police Service (KPS), Administration Police Service (APS), and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), will serve in South Sudan for 12 months.
“Their mission is to undertake specialised duties in support of peacekeeping efforts, aligning with international policing standards,” NPS said on Thursday.
The officers will be part of a specialised police unit tasked with addressing security threats, including cattle raids, which have been a persistent issue in the region.
Kenya has been actively involved in peacekeeping efforts in South Sudan, a country that has struggled with internal conflict since gaining independence in 2011.
The latest deployment comes as violence intensifies between forces allied to Machar and South Sudanese President Salva Kiir.
Tensions escalated after reports emerged that a convoy of 20 heavily armed vehicles stormed Machar’s residence in Juba, disarming his security personnel.
His party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLM-IO), has condemned the action, while the international community has expressed concern over the potential for renewed civil war.
The United States has called for Machar’s release, warning that his detention could further inflame hostilities.
Meanwhile, the Kenyan government has urged all parties in South Sudan to prioritise peace and adhere to existing agreements under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
“All parties in South Sudan should prioritise peace in the country by giving room to the ongoing peace agreements under the auspices of IGAD,” Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi also appealed for restraint, urging leaders to uphold the Revitalised Peace Agreement to prevent further destabilisation.
“We urge all the leaders in South Sudan to exercise utmost restraint, cease hostilities, and uphold the Revitalised Peace Agreement in the best interests of millions of their people,” Mudavadi said.
President William Ruto on Thursday said he had called President Kiir to discuss the situation leading to Machar’s arrest and detention.
“After consultations with President Museveni (of Uganda) and PM Abiy (of Ethiopia), I'm sending a special envoy to South Sudan to engage, try deescalate, and brief us back,” Ruto said.
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