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US envoy opposes Machar’s return to office, faults Kiir’s actions

First Vice President Riek Machar (left) delivers a speech to journalists next to South Sudan President Salva Kiir (centre) and Second Vice President James Wani Igga prior to the shooting outside the presidential palace in Juba on July 8, 2016. Machar then fled to DR Congo and later to Sudan. PHOTO | CHARLES ATIKI LOMODONG |

South Sudanese rebel leader Riek Machar should not return to the post of first vice-president, President Barack Obama’s special envoy to Juba told the US Congress on Wednesday.

“It is not for us to tell South Sudan who its leaders should be,” Ambassador Donald Booth cautioned, but added: “Given all that has happened we do not believe it would be wise for Machar to return to his previous position in Juba.”

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