The leader of the SPLM in Opposition says he will go to Juba once adequate security arrangements are made in line with the capital’s demilitarization provided for in the peace agreement.
This statement comes two days after he was appointed as the First Vice President by President Salva Kiir.
Dr Riek Machar told the media today in Addis Ababa that he has no other preconditions.
“I’ve no demands. I’m asking that the adequate security arrangements are made for me to go to Juba and that those who are in the UN protection camps feel confident that they can come out and be protected,” Dr Riek stated.
Asked about his earlier demand that the newly formed 28 states be revoked, Dr. Riek Machar said it will be suspended immediately after the formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity pending agreement on the number of states by the parties.
“Once the government is formed, even when formed tomorrow, the 28 states will be suspended and within one month, we should negotiate and come up with the number of states that are agreed,” he added.
“If we fail, we will revert to the ten [states] in the peace agreement. So, I think there is a clear roadmap.”
He also said he will not feel personally insecure once in Juba as he believes nobody wants to take South Sudan back to war.
On Friday, President Kiir appealed to him to ‘report to Juba immediately’ in order to form the interim government.
Meanwhile, the United Nations is urging Machar to return to South Sudan to take up the vice president position.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the UN is now urging Machar to return to Juba. Returning, he said, is the only way “for the transitional government to be established as quickly as possible.”
The United Nations has been pushing for a peaceful resolution in the country since fighting broke out in December 2013.