The leader of the SPLM-IO, Dr. Riek Machar, says he will return to Juba to assume the role of the First Vice President, despite the appointment of Taban Deng as his replacement.

Dr. Riek was relieved through a Presidential decree and Taban Deng Gai, sworn in on the 25th July, with the backing of senior members of the SPLM-IO in Juba.

The appointment of Mr. Taban was not in accordance with the peace agreement, said Dr. Riek, in an interview with Aljazeera television from an unknown location on the 27th July.

“The peace agreement does not give him the powers to appoint the First Vice President, unless I nominate the person under the current circumstances.

“I am still the First Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan. The appointment made by President Salva Kiir is illegal, it has no basis

Dr. Machar said he was waiting for the deployment of a regional protection force so that he can return to Juba.

The newly appointed replacement, Taban Deng, earlier said he would step down when Dr. Riek returns to Juba.