IGAD backs Machar over General Johnson Olony  

ADDIS ABABA – The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) is reportedly backing South Sudan’s First Vice President and SPLM-IO leader Dr. Riek Machar Teny in his dispute with Kiir over General Johnson Olony Thabo.

“The IGAD believes that the decision by President Salva Kiir of South Sudan is a violation of the revitalized peace agreement. The parties have right to chose who to serve them where they are assigned to,” a source at the Ethiopian foreign ministry told Sudans Post this afternoon.

“So, on this, the IGAD believe the South Sudan leaders must make compromise, but this is a violation to teh peace deal,” the source add.

On June 24, shortly before the appointment of the state governors, Machar nominated General Johnson Olony for the governorship of Upper Nile state. Kiir and Machar had earlier met in the state house J1 and agreed to the allocation of the state governors.

The SPLM-IO was given three states of Upper Nile, Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal.  Kiir’s side was allocated six including Unity, Eastern Equatoria, Central Equatoria, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Lakes and Warrap.

Jonglei state was allocated to South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA).

However, Kiir refused to appoint Olony because he believe the opposition commander is a warmonger. Since then, teh deadlock has remained with reasons  behind the rejection of Olony continuing to change.

Recently, Kiir said Olony did not want to return to Juba so that he is appointed. Olony has confirmed that by saying he will not go to Juba before his appointment, extended the deadlock to over three months.