The EU Special Representative to the Horn of Africa, Dr Annette Weber, visited Juba on 10 April 2025 at the request and on behalf of EU High Representative/Vice President H.E. Kaja Kallas but was denied access to First Vice President Dr Riek Machar, who is under house arrest.
A press statement extended to Radio Tamazuj said that during her visit, Dr Weber met Vice President Dr Benjamin Bol Mel, Information Minister Michael Makuei, Justice and
Constitutional Affairs Minister Dr Wek Mamer and Cabinet Affairs Minister Dr Martin Elia Lomuro.
“Despite a request, she was not granted a visit to His Excellency the First Vice President Dr Riek Machar,” the statement said.
According to the EU, Dr. Weber conveyed the grave concern of the European Union about the acts of violence in several regions of South Sudan and the multiple violations of the peace agreement.
“She called on the leaders of the country to put grievances aside, prioritize dialogue and peace, and take immediate steps toward de-escalation. The European Union calls for a re-commitment to the peace agreement and its implementation by all parties,” the statement reads in part. “The EU Special Representative Dr Weber welcomed the various efforts of the region, in particular by IGAD and its Member States as well as the African Union, to de-escalate the situation in South Sudan and assured the leaders that the EU will continue to support these efforts.”
“She also assured her interlocutors that the EU is working tirelessly to address the war in Sudan, which is directly impacting South Sudan,” the statement added.
The EU said it stands in solidarity with the people of South Sudan and calls upon its leaders to work for a peaceful future for them.
Meanwhile, the government reaffirmed its commitment to peace and stability during the meeting on Thursday with the high-level delegation from the European Union.
Vice President Dr Bol Mel, who led the government delegation, said in a statement that the discussions centered on evolving political and security developments in South Sudan. He assured the delegation of the government’s dedication to addressing the prevailing political issues and enhancing security nationwide.
He also pledged that the government would continue working closely with the EU and underscored the importance of such collaboration in promoting a peaceful and stable future for all South Sudanese.
On the night of 26 March, South Sudanese security forces placed First Vice President and opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar under house arrest in Juba amid escalating political tensions, raising fears of a return to civil war.
South Sudan has been formally at peace since a 2018 agreement ended a five-year conflict between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and Machar, which killed nearly 400,000 people. However, relations between the two leaders, who have dominated South Sudan’s politics for decades, remain strained.
The house arrest of Dr. Riek Machar is widely seen as jeopardizing the peace agreement.
Security forces were first deployed around Machar’s residence in early March, although he was able to go to his office.
In response to clashes in northeastern Upper Nile State since late February, President Kiir’s government has arrested several officials from Machar’s party, including the petroleum minister and the army’s deputy chief.