Machar lifts SPLA-IO withdrawal from security mechanisms

JUBA – South Sudan’s First Vice President and leader of the main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) Dr. Riek Machar Teny has issued a statement lifting the suspension of his group’s participation in the security mechanisms and peace monitoring bodies.

Last week, SPLA-IO complained of attacks by South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), on its positions and lack of will to implement the agreement from the side of President Salva Kiir Mayardit and then announced that it was suspending its participation in the security mechanism.

On Sunday evening, President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Machar signed an agreement on allocation of top security positions and an immediate cessation of hostility agreement and re-commitment to the full implementation of the revitalized agreement.

In a statement, Machar said he has directed the return of his group to the security mechanisms and the peace monitoring bodies with immediate effects.

‘‘The SPLM/SPLA-IO leadership hereby lifts the suspension of participation in SPLM/SPLA-IO in the meetings of security mechanisms namely JDB, JTSC, JMCC, SDSR Board, CTSAMVM, SSM as well as the National Transitional Committee (NTC) and Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), with immediate effect,’’ Machar said in the statement.