South Sudan President has re-appointed rival as vice president as per the peace deal
The President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir reappointed rival Riek Machar as vice president as per the peace deal that was signed to bring an end to the civil war in the country
The civil war has lasted two years after Mr Macha was fired by Mr. Kiir, which led to fighting between the supporters of the two men.
The decree was read out on state television re-appointing Machar to the position he held in 2013 before the onset of violence that left thousands dead and over two million displaced.
The two sides signed a deal in August 2015 amidst pressure from the United Nations and the United States. The two sides agreed to share ministerial positions.
There have been violations of the peace deal with both sides blaming the other. However, the reappointment of Machar seeks to return the government to where it was before the war broke out.
According to the BBC, Machar will return to South Sudan in three weeks if the security arrangements are implemented.
“I’m eager to ensure that peace returns to the country, political stability is maintained, the permanent peace is respected – I’m confident we can do this,” said Machar to the BBC
Machar expressed pleasure over his reappointment according to the Voice of America
“I first want to thank the president for taking this bold step so that the agreement can be implemented. My feeling is that we have no way out except to implement the agreement. We will propagate [our appeal] in the international community to assist South Sudan to raise from the ashes of this war” Machar said to VOA
Both sides have been accused of violating human rights and perpetrating violence. Reports by the United Nations and African Union have accused both sides for different violations of human rights mostly indicting them of pain instilled on the civilians.
South Sudan is the world’s youngest county having separated from Sudan in 2011
