SOUTH SUDAN: MACHAR'S VISIT TO JUBA POSTPONED

By Our Correspondent, Juba SOUTH SUDAN

Exiled opposition leader Riek Machar’s planned visit to Juba today would not take place as initially announced, possibly until Tuesday.

Exiled opposition leader Riek Machar

Manawa Peter Gatkuoth, deputy spokesman of the opposition SPLM-IO, told Radio Tamazuj in Juba this afternoon that a planned visit by Machar to Juba today has been postponed until tomorrow.

Manawa has cited the busy schedule of the deputy head of Sudan's sovereign council as the main reason for the delay. “Dr. Machar’s visit to Juba today has been cancelled due to the busy schedule of General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as Hemeti. Hemeti will accompany Machar to Juba,” he explained.

Machar is expected hold talks on the outstanding issues with President Salva Kiir in Juba.

The roll-out of the September 2018 peace agreement has been delayed by disputes over the number of states and security arrangements.

On November 7, President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar agreed to give themselves another 100 days to form a unity government.

President Salva Kiir, opposition leader Riek Machar and a handful of other groups signed the peace deal in September 2018. However the parties have failed to create a unified army and determine the number of states since the deal was signed.