Wednesday, April 04, 2012
Mr Odinga said Kenya was concerned about the heightening tension between the two nations.
He added that another full scale war between Juba and Khartoum would pose immense security and humanitarian challenges to the region, which is already struggling to contain a devastating drought, refugee problems and Islamist insurgents in Somalia.
The premier made the remarks while receiving a delegation of South Sudan officials who had come to brief him on developments between the two countries on Monday.
He expressed worry that positions between the two countries appeared to be hardening.
Refugee fears
He added that
refugees who had returned to Sudan may begin streaming back to Kenya
following growing tension, a development he feared would trigger off a
fresh humanitarian crisis in East Africa.
The South Sudan delegation, led by the Office of the Minister for Presidency, Mr Emmanuel Lowilla, and Information Minister Benjamin Marial Barnaba, asked Kenya to resume an active role in searching for peace between Juba and Khartoum.
The ministers said Kenya best understood the issues between the two countries, having led the peace process. They reiterated South Sudan’s commitment to a peaceful resolution, saying president Kiir had repeatedly committed that he would never take his country to war again.