Gambella, April 23, 2016 (GMN) –The return of rebel leader and first Vice President designate, Riek Machar has left the people of South Sudan with many questions.
Machar who was expected to arrive the capital Juba said he was blocked from entering the country due to the government’s refusal to transport his troops.
The government of the republic of South Sudan on Wednesday accepted an additional 195 troops of the SPLM/A-in Opposition to accompany the Chief of General Staff, General Simon Gatwetch Dual from Gambella International Airport in Ethiopia to Juba.
However, Kiir’s government on Thursday denied the opposition clearance saying that the SPLM/A-IO is not allowed to carry with them PKMs and RPGs, but only AK47s.
The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), the body overseeing the implementation of South Sudan peace agreement signed in August last year, has now set Saturday, 23 April, as the deadline for arrival to Juba of the opposition leader.
The United States Administration has criticized Riek Machar, for failing to travel to Juba on Tuesday, saying its Troika members will consult in response to the “obstruction” of the implementation of the peace agreement.
The U.S also called on President Kiir’s government “to exercise maximum flexibility” in the arrangements for the sake of peace in the country.
With the postponement of Riek’s return many in the country who are yearning for peace say that failure of the rebel leader to return and take up his position will mean dishonoring the peace agreement.
In Bor the people are frustrated with the delay of the rebel leader.
A member of parliament in Bor said, “All of us we were very happy and we were waiting for the first VP to arrive and form the government of national unity and for our people to benefit from the peace dividend. So the failure of Dr Riek to arrive is a shock and it has frustrated everybody in South Sudan so I believe everybody is frustrated.”
A resident in Bor, Lou Mayen Alier, told Gurtong that she was disappointed after receiving news that the first Vice President designate has not yet arrived the country.
“At first I was excited that Riek Machar is finally coming. That he has accepted peace and we are all going to have peace. But then again am not happy now considering what is going on.”
Manyang Malueth on his part thinks Riek’s coming will not make much difference but instead fuel the crisis even much further.
“Coming of the SPLM -In opposition leader will fuel South Sudanese crisis because if the interim government is formed, then those who will not be part of that government may as well rebel against the government. Rebellion has become an opportunity for politicians to get seats,” Manyang said.
John mayol another resident is however hopeful that the signed peace agreement between the two leaders will finally be implemented once Riek Machar returns.
Vice President Riek Machar was supposed to resume his post in the capital, Juba, on April 18, putting an end to more than two years of conflict, but he has delayed his return indefinitely. (Gurtong )
