I am still committed to peace, Machar says despite wife’s removal

JUBA, MARCH 5, 2023 (SUDANS POST) — South Sudan’s main armed opposition leader and the country’s First Vice President Riek Machar on Saturday night reiterated his commitment to the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.

This is despite the removal of the minister of defense Angelina Teny – who is Machar’s wife – by President Salva Kiir Mayardit who then transferred the defense ministry portfolio which belonged to the SPLM-IO to his party.

In a statement following a day long meeting chaired by Machar to discuss the removal of its portfolio, the SPLM-IO condemned the president’s move as a violation of the revitalized peace agreement, but then reiterated its commitment to peace.

“In light of the … violations, the Political Bureau would like to point out that the ‘RTGONU is founded on the premise of collegial collaboration in decision-making and continuous consultations within the Presidency, between the President, the First Vice President and the four Vice Presidents, to ensure effective governance during the Transitional Period,’”it said.

“The SPLM-IO reiterates it’s commitment to full implementation of the Revitalized Agreement in letter and spirit,” it added.