S. Sudanese vice-president denies accepting to step down for Machar
June 25, 2015 (JUBA) – The office of South Sudanese vice-president James Wani Igga on Thursday refuted reports he had accepted to step aside to allow the armed opposition leader, Riek Machar, take over as first vice president in accordance with a would-be peace agreement.
But his office’s press secretary, David Mayen Ayarbio, quoted Igga on Thursday in a released statement saying the vice-president was quoted out of context. Igga through his press secretary said he was misrepresented, adding he will not agree to the position of first vice president for Machar.
“The vice-president did not say he will step aside for Riek Machar. He has been quoted out of context. Appointment of the vice president is the prerogative of the president and it will be the president to decide whom he wants as the vice president. It cannot be speculated and made a subject of discussion,” he said.
The official explained that the people of South Sudan and the president knew what Igga was capable of doing and in what position and capacity he would fit.
“Our people and the president know that the current vice president is one of the leaders who have never let them [down] and will never ever let them [down],” he claimed.
He said people needed peace and this was the reason the government had given peace a priority and place the search for it above anything else in our programs.
East African regional block, IGAD, which has been mediating the peace talks between president Kiir’s government and the armed opposition leader, Riek Machar, proposed that president Kiir should continue to leader a transitional period of 3 years and Machar becomes first vice-president.
(ST)