JUBA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni arrived in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, on Thursday afternoon to help de-escalate the political tensions in the country.

Museveni will discuss with his South Sudanese counterpart, Salva Kiir, the current political developments in the country, the presidency said in a statement.

"The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral relations between Juba and Kampala, besides the current political developments in the country," the presidency said.

The Ugandan leader later confirmed his arrival via a post on the social media platform X.

"I have arrived in South Sudan at the invitation of His Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit. I look forward to our discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation between our two nations," Museveni said.

Museveni's visit followed a mission by Raila Odinga, Kenya's special envoy to South Sudan, who held talks with Kiir in Juba and Museveni in Uganda last week.

Sources said Museveni will shore up the ongoing mediation efforts by the African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development, an East Africa bloc, to help de-escalate political tensions in South Sudan, which emerged from a brutal five-year civil war in 2018.

The 2018 peace deal ended the fighting and established a unity government. But the relations between Kiir and South Sudanese First Vice President Riek Machar remain strained. The clashes and latest political tensions between the two leaders have unsettled many citizens and the international community. Enditem

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