U.S. commends Machar’s return and oath taking as S. Sudan’s First Vice President

April 26, 2016 (WASHINGTON) – United States (U.S.) government has commended the final return to the capital, Juba, of the top armed opposition leader, Riek Machar, and his subsequent oath taking as South Sudan’s First Vice President, calling on the parties to form the long-awaited unity government soon.

In a press briefing in Washington DC on Tuesday following the swearing in of Machar in Juba upon his arrival from his General Headquarters of Pagak from where he waged war for two years, US State Department’s deputy spokesperson, Mark Toner, said the US also welcomed the statements from President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Machar during the occasion.

“The return of Riek Machar to Juba and his swearing-in as first vice president today represents an important step towards formation of a transitional government of national unity and a second chance to reclaim the promise that this young nation deserves. We welcome the statements by President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar calling for cooperation, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence,” Toner said

“South Sudan’s leaders now need to complete formation of the transitional government, fully respect the permanent ceasefire agreement, facilitate humanitarian access to all areas of the country, and begin implementing the reform agenda of the peace agreement according to the timeline established by the parties,” he added.

The State Department also expressed appreciation to the chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), President Festus Mogae, the African Union (AU), the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and the member-states of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) for their efforts to support the implementation of the August peace agreement.

Toner revealed that the U.S. government had already provided $1.5 billion in emergency assistance since the conflict began in December 2013, adding that as soon as the transitional unity government is formed by the parties, the US is likely to provide more assistance towards humanitarian intervention.

He however said forming a transitional government will not make the situation easy unless there is commitment by the parties.

“Forming the transitional government is not going to be easy, but it is the best hope for the people of South Sudan achieving peace. We’ll – we’re going to work closely with them on the reforms, as I’ve noted, in the first several months of this transition. We’re going to review the security sector,” he said.

He added that the US government will assist in laying the groundwork for Truth and Reconciliation Commission and establish the parameters for a hybrid court in collaboration with the African Union as well as increase accountability in terms of South Sudan’s economic governance.

A report released by the AU mentioned senior political and military officials implicated in the massacres starting in December 2013 and recommended a hybrid court to try and sentence them to punishments.

Those accused of the war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to the report, will not take part in the soon to be formed South Sudan’s government of national unity.

It however remains unclear whether the recommendations will be swiftly implemented or may be delayed until peace is restored to the country.

(ST)