Ruto to send special envoy to South Sudan after Vice President's arrest

This followed a phone conversation between President William Ruto, his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni and Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. 

"Had a phone call with President Salva Kiir on the situation leading to the arrest and detention of 1st vice Pres. Riek Machar in South Sudan. After consultations with Pres. Museveni and PM Abiy, I'm sending a special envoy to South Sudan to engage, try deescalate, and brief us back," Ruto said. 

In recent months, Kenya has positioned itself as a key mediator in conflicts within neighbouring nations. 

On Tuesday, President Ruto discussed regional matters with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio where both leaders agreed on the need to engage both the South Sudanese government and its opposition to refrain from the violence and find a lasting solution. 

"In South Sudan, I updated the Secretary of State of the current situation and the initiatives we are engaged in to encourage the government and opposition to re-engage, de-escalate violence and rededicate themselves to the search for peace." Ruto stated on Tuesday. 

Tension in South Sudan has escalated following the detention of VP Machar, threatening a civil war in the conflict-riddled nation. 

The differences between President Salva Kiir and Machar ensued in 2011 when war was waged between the two factions.

This led to more than 40,000 deaths in the country and countless injured. After years of battles, President Salva Kiir and Machar agreed to form a government of national unity, leading to a peace deal in 2018. 

Tensions were, however, renewed when White Army, a group believed to be allied to Machar seized a military base in northeastern Upper Nile.

In retaliation, the South Sudanese military surrounded Machar's house, placing him under house arrest. Further, his allies were arrested for allegedly aiding the White Army.