Dr Riek Machar, leader of the SPLM-IO

SPLM in Opposition leader Dr Riek Machar has been appointed as the first vice president.

In a presidential decree read on SSTV last evening, President Kiir appointed the leader, Riek Machar, as the First Vice President of the country in accordance with the power sharing provisions in the Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan.

He also dismissed and appointed vice president James Wani Igga as the vice president.

Mr Machar, who is not currently in South Sudan, has welcomed the move, telling the BBC he could return within three weeks if security arrangements were implemented.

“I’m eager to ensure that peace returns to the country, political stability is maintained, the permanent peace is respected – I’m confident we can do this,” he said.