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JUBA - 1 Oct 2019

Machar to return to Juba this month

Machar's visit to Juba on 9 September, 2019 [Samir Bol/Reuters]
Machar's visit to Juba on 9 September, 2019 [Samir Bol/Reuters]

South Sudan's opposition leader Riek Machar will return to the capital, Juba, this month to hold follow-up meetings with President Salva Kiir, the opposition group said.

Machar last month met with President Salva Kiir in Juba where they discussed the outstanding issues related to the implementation of the peace deal. The roll-out of the peace deal, which called for a unity government, has been delayed by disputes and lack of funds.

"Machar will come to Juba to follow-up on the outstanding issues that were discussed in their recent meetings with President Salva Kiir," SPLM-IO deputy spokesperson Manawa Peter told Radio Tamazuj today.

He pointed out that Mr. Machar will be accompanied by the UN Security Council and AU Peace and Security Council towards the third week of October.

Manawa underscored that frequent meetings between the two principles are important as the November 12 deadline approaches. The opposition official expressed his frustration with the slow progress in the implementation of the peace agreement.

"However, we reiterate our commitment to the peace agreement. We also condemn the recent statement by the president that he will form a transitional government if Machar does not return to Juba in November," Manawa said.

The peace agreement brokered by the East African bloc IGAD reinstates Machar as first vice-president, one of five vice-presidents.