South Sudan’s rebel leader expected in New York on Friday
By Tesfa-Alem Tekle
September 23, 2015 (ADDIS ABABA) – The designated first vice president of South Sudan and leader of the nation’s armed opposition faction (SPLM-IO), Riek Machar is expected at the United Nations summit in New York on Friday, an official told Sudan Tribune.
Machar, who leaves Thursday, will be accompanied by senior opposition leaders. The delegation will attend the UN general assembly meeting commencing on 29 September.
Ki moon’s invitation extended the two leaders of South Sudan’s main warring factions seeks to strengthen the ongoing peace process aimed at ending conflict in the country.
South Sudanese government officials have, however, hinted that President Salva Kiir would skip the UN meeting on grounds the invitation was extended at short notice.
Kiir has designated his deputy James Wani Igga to represent South Sudan government.
The meeting, which will be held at the level of heads of state and government, also aims at galvanising global support for the implementation the regionally-backed and international peace deal recently signed by the two South Sudanese warring parties.
This is Machar’s first visit to New York since conflict erupted in the country in December 2013.
The armed opposition representative in New York, Miyong Kuon said Machar will address the South Sudanese community in United States of America over the weekend.
“He is expected to tour states densely populated with South Sudanese to speak in-depth on the newly signed peace agreement in the country” Kuon emailed Sudan Tribune.
“The significance of his visit is expected to draw crowds and supporters from all over the western hemisphere” he added.
Preparations are reportedly underway to receive Machar and his delegations in New York.
At a planned public public rally to be held on 26 September in New York, Machar will address supporters drawn from across United States, Canada and Australia, said Kuon.
Machar is also due to address at the UN General Assembly on September 29 on the reached peace deal and the process of its implementation, among other key issues.
(ST)