By Pam Chol Joack, Gambella Vision Reporter

 Juba: AU Panel’s Meeting with Dr. Riek Machar Blocked by Government: A planned meeting between

African Union’s Panel meeting With Dr Machar Blocked

the African Union’s Panel of the Wise and South Sudan’s First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, has reportedly been obstructed, according to diplomatic sources.

Machar, who has been under house arrest since March 26, was scheduled to meet with the AU delegation during their visit to Juba aimed at reinforcing peace efforts. The delegation, led by former Burundian President Domitien Ndayizeye, is in South Sudan to engage with key stakeholders involved in the ongoing peace process.

Documents obtained by Gambella Vision indicate that the panel was set to meet Dr. Machar on Friday morning before proceeding to discussions with President Salva Kiir later in the day.

However, sources reveal that the government informed the panel that meetings with Machar would not be permitted until investigations are completed and he has appeared in court.

This development follows a previous denial of a meeting request from Kenya’s special envoy, Raila Odinga, who sought to meet with Machar earlier.