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| President Salva Kiir |
South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has issued a decree on Thursday appointing his rival Dr Riek Machar to be his first Vice President and James Wani Igga Second Vice President.
Salva Kiir’s decree read over South Sudan Television on Thursday evening is an implementation of the peace agreement signed in August 2015.
Media agencies report that Dr Machar welcomed the appointment. He thanks President Kiir for the bold step taken so that the agreement can be implemented.
“There is no way out except to implement the agreement,” Dr Machar said.
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| Dr Riek Machar |
The announcement returned the presidency to where it was soon before fighting erupted between supporters of the two men in December 2013 - a conflict that went on to kill thousands of people and force more than two million to flee.
South Sudan has been mired in conflict since December 2013, when clashes broke out between troops loyal to Kiir and soldiers backing Riek Machar, who previously held the vice president position.
SOURCE: CRN