South Sudan: Machar’s Diplomatic Missions Begin With 4 African States

May 16, 2014(Nyamilepedia) — Dr. Riek Machar Teny, the former vice president and the current chairman of SPLM [in opposition] will begin a regional tour next week. Machar will visit 4 African countries that include Sudan and Djibouti.

“Machar will give a briefing on the peace talks between the South Sudan government and the SPLM/A-in-opposition to the leaders of the respective countries [he visits],” Yohannes Musa told Anadolu Agency.

Machar came to Ethiopia, for the first time, on 8th May to sign a peace deal with the South Sudanese president, Salva Kiir Mayardit. The two leaders have agreed to cease hostilities, form an inclusive government, draft a permanent constitution, reconcile and reconstruct the nation, ahead of the next election.

Although fighting has continued for a few days after the signing of the recent agreement, both Machar and Kiir have reiterated their commitments to peaceful resolutions.

Musa reaffirms that Machar and the SPLM/A [in opposition] believe the conflict will only be solved through mediation.

“He will also make clear to them that the SPLM/A-in-opposition believes that the crisis in South Sudan will only be solved through negotiation,” said Musa.

The fighting broke out in December at presidential guards headquarters between troops loyal to Macahr and Kiir. Salva Kiir accussed Dr. Machar of staging a coup and went on to arrest most of the senior politicians who have criticized the president over dictatorship and corruption in the past.

Machar and some of his senior colleagues escaped the controversial arrest and denied the allegations, accusing Kiir of an attempt to consolidate powers and silencing the dissidents. All the political detainees have been released.

Ten of thousands have been killed and over 1 millions people displaced.