South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir makes good on his threat; replaces Riek Machar
South Sudan’s Taban Deng Gai has today been sworn in as the new first vice president as President Salva Kiir made good of his threat to replace Riek Machar if he failed to return to the capital Juba.
In a ceremony held at the country’s state house, Deng said he would work together with Kiir to ensure issues affecting IDP’s and humanitarian needs are addressed.
Riek Machar’s whereabouts remain unknown, though local reports indicate he is within the country.
Members of the SPLM in Opposition loyal to Machar have however described the appointment of Deng as a conspiracy by their colleagues in Juba.
Machar fled the capital two weeks ago after his forces clashed with those of Salva Kiir in Juba, leading to deaths of almost 300 people and displacing thousands others.
Machar however said he was not planning for war.
President Kiir also said he did not want any more bloodshed in his country.
