Kiir wants Machar to stay permanently in Juba as R-TGoNU sets to be formed

February 17, 2020 Newsbeat, South Sudan, Sudan

President Salva Kiir and main armed opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar in the capital, Juba (Photo: File)

February 18, 2020 (SSNN)—South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit requests peace mediators to allow opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar to remain permanently in the capital, Juba, as preparations begin for the much-awaited formation of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity.

In recent weeks, there has been increasing pressure from the international community and the region on the government and the opposition to form a coalition government on schedule without missing the deadline as they did twice before.

In a written official message addressed to the IGAD Assembly Heads of State and Government, President Kiir affirmed that for the sake of peace and stability, he had agreed to cut back the number of states as a gesture of commitment, and most importantly, to end the suffering of the population once and for all.

“I write to communicate that the Presidency has accepted the proposal of Dr . Riek Machar Teny that we establish the R – TGNU on the basis of ten ( 10 ) States on the 2200 February , 2020, as planned . I have taken this decision in the interest of peace , stability and to relieve my people from the suffering they have unnecessarily undergone for far too long,” Kiir stated.
“Your Excellency , I now expect Dr. Riek Machar to be in Juba immediately so that we complete the process of forming the R – TGoN promptly on the 22nd of this month.”
This latest development comes after the Presidency agreed to return the country to its previous ten states and their boundaries – a bold decision lauded by the peace mediators including the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

“This is pivotal for the formation of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) and our quest for lasting peace in the Republic of South Sudan. I congratulate the leadership of President Salva Kiir Mayardit and the Government of South Sudan for taking a bold decision for the sake of the country,” said Ismail Wais, IGAD Special Envoy for South Sudan.