United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for the immediate formation of the transitional government of national unity.

Dr Riek returned to Juba on Tuesday and took oath of office as the First Vice President.

Mr Ban Ki Moon has welcomed the return of Riek Machar to Juba and his swearing in as the First Vice-President of South Sudan.

Mr Ban calls these a “new phase” in the implementation of the peace agreement.

He commends the efforts of the chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, Festus Mogae, and of the African Union High Representative, Alpha Oumar Konaré.

The Secretary-General also called on the UN Security Council to work closely with IGAD and the AU Peace and Security Council to mobilize the required support for the peace process.

Mr Ban says Mr. Machar’s return to the capital marks a significant step towards bringing stability to the country.