UPDATED: Machar returns to Juba on Tuesday: spokesman
April 18, 2016 (JUBA) — The leader of South Sudan’s armed opposition faction (SPLM-IO), Riek Machar returns to Juba Tuesday, his spokesperson, James Dak told Sudan Tribune Monday.
“Dr. Riek Machar will not come today as earlier announced and we are sorry for that,” said Ezekiel, told reporters stationed at Juba International airport on Monday morning.
Ezekeil said the plane that was meant to carry the armed opposition officials from their Pagak headquarters in South Sudan to Gambella in Ethiopia was behind schedule.
The United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon on Sunday urged the two warring faction leaders to expeditiously form the long-awaited Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU).
Edmund Yakani, the Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO) told Sudan Tribune that Machar’s return was key for the formation of the TGoNU.
“CEPO strong believes that failure to form the Transitional Government of National Unity in the month of April, 2016 will offer more sufferings to the common citizens in all aspects,” he said, but was optimistic about the return of the armed opposition leader.
(ST)