Riek Machar demands complete demilitarization of Juba, wants to hold rally upon arrival
South Sudan’s vice president designate Riek Machar’s much anticipated return to Juba hinges on the full demilitarization of the capital, his spokesperson James Gatdet Dak said on Thursday.
Machar issued the demand after his rebel troops accused the South Sudan army of redeploying its troops beyond the 25km radius, violating the 2015 peace deal.
Dak also said that the rebel leader who indicated that he would arrive in Juba on Monday 18 demands that he be sworn in immediately as first vice-president, and also be allowed to address a public rally on his return to Juba.
“If the government agrees that he should take oath of office upon his arrival and that he should be allowed to conduct public rally on the peace agreement and its implementation, then definitely he is going to come on Monday,” the spokesperson said in a statement issued in Juba.
Machar’s return is part of an AU-backed peace deal meant to end the two-year violence in the world’s youngest nation.
South Sudan descended into conflict in December 2013 when President Salva Kiir accused his then deputy Riek Machar of plotting to overthrow his government, allegations that Machar refuted, but went on to mobilize a rebel force to fight the government.
Dak confirmed the rebel leader’s presence at his headquarters in Pagak, where he is said to be consulting with his military generals about his return into the capital.
His deputy Chief Alfred Ladu arrived in the capital earlier in the week, sending strong signals that Machar will indeed enter Juba next week.
Also, a 1,370-strong force loyal to Machar arrived in Juba last week to ensure his security prior to his arrival on Monday.
