Tens of Thousands of South Sudanese Expected On The Streets In Juba Today As Riek Machar Returns

April 25, 2016(Nyamilepedia) —- As many South Sudanese bank their hopes on the return of the country’s former Vice President, Riek Machar, many citizens are expected to match out of their homes and UNMISS camps in Juba and across the country to mark the return of the top opposition leader.

After the return of his Chief of army, Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual and his 195 troops, Dr. Machar is expected to arrive in the capital tomorrow.

According to his spokesman, James Gatdet Dak, Machar will arrive in Juba on Tuesday, April 26th, 2016 if everything goes as planned.

“A second flight has also taken the rest of the soldiers and some politicians to Juba this evening from Gambella airport. It has also landed in Juba. This is after the arrival of the Chief of General Staff and the first 121 soldiers who went with the first flight. The Chairman and C-in-C may arrive in Juba tomorrow, Tuesday, 26 April, 2016.” Dak said.

Dak confirmed that the United Nations has accepted to transport the first Vice President Designate and his officials to Juba after the peace partners, the US and its TROIKA, withdrawn their support of South Sudan Peace Implementation while calling on Mr. Machar and Mr. Kiir to take charge of the “primary responsibilities”.

“We have learned that UN will provide a plane to transport to Juba the first vice-president designate to Juba on Tuesday,” Dak said.

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Similar report was echoed by the Chairman of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, Festus Mogae, after meeting President Salva Kiir on Monday.

President Mogae confirmed that the IO Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of SPLM/SPLA(IO) will be transported to Juba by the United Nations on Tuesday.

Upon his arrival, Machar will be sworn in as the country’s First Vice President at J1 before proceeding to hold a brief meeting with President Salva Kiir.

According to earlier JMEC calendar, Machar and Kiir first meeting will be facilitated by the JMEC chairman and peace partners.

After receiving the news, many South Sudanese who believe in Machar’s return to capital to end the conflict and rescue stranded IDPs are expected to match to airport to welcome the opposition leader.

Despite earlier restrictions on Machar’s public reception, SPLM/SPLA in Opposition calls on their peace partners to allow free movement of civilians in the capital to welcome their chairman and commander-in-chief.

Unlike Salva Kiir and other politicians in the country, Machar, a believer of democracy, reforms and rights, has enjoyed popular receptions for the last two years in many countries he visited.

From Pagak to Omaha-Nasbraska of the United States, the opposition leader has been welcomed by thousands of South Sudanese people including Kiir’s supporters who admire his ideologies.

For the last few days, South Sudan’s Juba International Airport, has become a home away from home for many journalists who want to cover Machar’s return in “letter and spirit”.

While camping at the airport, the journalist never gave up on Machar’s return.

Due to Machar’s publicity, his return continues to shake South Sudan’s capital as Salva Kiir’s government can’t hold its breath on how to maintain security as citizens are expected to match across the city in large numbers.

For the past two years, South Sudan government empowered its national security and politics to maintain peace through iron fist, a bill that associates Machar’s return to return of peace and freedom.

While many journalists have been killed by “unknown gunmen” or detained by the national security in the last two years, many politicians, university professors and loud opposition leaders continue to serve jail without charges.

Although the guns of unknown “gunmen” may not be silence, Machar’s return could silence the conflict and gives voice to oppositions and minorities.

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