Dr Riek Machar, leader of the SPLM-IO

The SPLM in Opposition says its leader, Dr Riek Machar, is expected in Juba today.

Dr Riek has been expected in Juba since last week, but the chairman of the National Committee of Information, says there is a strong possibility the first vice president designate will come but he did not rule any delay.

Mabior Garang Mabior told Eye Radio that most of the issues that delayed him have been resolved.

“As we know, there is no guarantee in life, but there is a very strong possibility. We are very hopeful that the chairman will come and the government will be formed,” Mr Mabior said.

The US and the UK said on Monday that they were handing over the facilitation of the return of Dr Machar to the government and the SPLM in Opposition.

They say the two sides have been blocking progress on the implementation of the peace agreement.

They said Dr Machar had been creating new conditions for his return against the provisions of security arrangements both sides agreed to in February.

On the other hand, they said the government refused to give landing permission over the weekend to flights for the return of Dr Riek.

Mr Mabior declined to explain who is paying for the flight of Dr Machar to Juba.