The formation of unity government in South Sudan is finally going to materialize on Saturday after 8 months of struggle between two conflicting forces.
The rebel leader Dr. Riek Machar is expected to return today and subsequently be inaugurated as the First Vice President officially kicking off the 3 years tenure of the Transitional Government of National Unity that was agreed in August last year.
This week saw a number of dramatic twists as Dr. Machar was blocked from returning home following disagreements on entry of his heavy weapons and additional force into the capital Juba.
The standoff was finally resolved on Friday and a program for the arrival of Dr. Machar was also swiftly made.
Two planes for the rebel team and the chief himself are to leave the Ethiopian Gambella airport today for South Sudan.
The one carrying the weaponry and commandos is expected to land in Juba at 10am local time. The
plane will also be carrying the rebel movement’s Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Simon Gatwech according to a statement from the group’s advance team already in Juba.
“The Chief of General Staff of SPLA (IO) 1st Lt. Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual and 125 other soldiers and their organic weapons are scheduled to arrive in Juba at 10:00 AM April 23 2016,” part of the statement signed by Ambassor Ezekiel Gatkouth said.
The last to touch down in Juba International Airport is going to be the SPLA-IO Commander-in-Chief himself Dr. Riek Machar.
“The First Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan H.E Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon is scheduled arrive in Juba April 23, 2016 at 1:00 PM sharp,” the statement added.
The supporters of Machar were also asked to come to airport to welcome him.
“The peace loving people of South Sudan are asked to come out and welcome His Excellency Dr. Riek Machar.”
ChimpReports is closely following the event and constant updates will be published on our website as they unfold.
Meanwhile reports appeared this morning that the Juba Government had demanded to first send a team to examine the weapons to be flown in by Machar.