Riek Machar's camp has strongly refuted claims that they were unwilling to engage in talks with President Yoweri Museveni or the African Union mediators, known as the Panel of the Wise.

In a detailed response issued by James Gatdet DaK, the spokesperson for Machar’s camp, it was clarified that they were indeed open to discussions but faced significant obstacles from the opposing side, which hindered any meaningful dialogue.

According to the statement, Dr. Riek Machar had been prepared to meet with the AU's Panel of the Wise on Friday morning, between 9:00 and 10:00 am, as initially scheduled. The purpose of the meeting was to present Machar’s side of the story.

However, Machar’s team was informed at the last minute that President Museveni had rejected the proposed meeting, leading to accusations that Museveni's visit to Juba might have been intended to undermine the Panel's mission.

The response further claimed that Museveni’s influence over South Sudanese President Salva Kiir had played a role in blocking such discussions.

Gatdet DaK also alluded to a previous instance where a similar attempt to facilitate a meeting between Dr. Machar and former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who is serving as IGAD's Special Envoy, was thwarted.

He alleged that Kiir had informed Odinga that he needed approval from President Museveni before engaging with Machar, thereby complicating the process of reaching a peaceful resolution.

Machar’s camp expressed frustration, alleging that they were being denied a chance to "tell the world the truth." This denial, they claimed, occurred while Machar remains in detention on what they believe are fabricated charges and facing a court process in Juba that they consider unjust.

They further emphasized that the refusal to allow them to speak and present their case is a form of manipulation designed to keep the narrative in favor of the government in Juba.

In response to these allegations, the Sudanese government issued a statement denying any truth to the claim that Raila Odinga needed Museveni's permission to meet with Machar.

They argued that such assertions misrepresent diplomatic norms and principles, asserting that the diplomatic process should be carried out without interference or misrepresentation.

This ongoing impasse highlights the complex political dynamics surrounding peace efforts in South Sudan, with both domestic and international actors playing critical roles in determining the path forward.

News Story Source: Nile Post