Kiir’s office says differences with Machar resolved

JUBA, MARCH 5, 2023 (SUDANS POST) —  South Sudan presidency said on Wednesday that President Salva Kiir’s differences with his first deputy Riek Machar have been resolved.

Relations between the two men earlier last month after Kiir dismissed Machar’s wife Angelina Teny as a defense minister in a presidential decree.

Kiir then took away the defense ministry portfolio which — based on arrangement under the revitalized peace agreement — should be occupied by an official from the main armed opposition SPLM-IO under Machar.

The SPLM-IO condemned Kiir’s move and called for reinstatement of the embattled former defense minister who is also a senior member of the main armed opposition group.

In a statement this evening, the presidency said Kiir and Machar met today – probably on the defense ministry wrangle – and resolved their differences and agreed to meet when necessary to maintain peace and relations.

“President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Wednesday met with his First Deputy, Dr. Riek Machar Teny, to discuss a wide range of issues,” the presidency statement seen by Sudans Post reads in part.

In statements to the state-own South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), presidential affairs minister lBarnaba Marial Benjamin said “the meeting resolved challenges and outstanding issues of concern.”

“The President and First Vice President agreed to meet whenever needed to discuss challenges facing the implementation of the Peace Agreement,” he added.

According to the presidency statement, the meeting was was attended by the senior presidential envoy on special programs, Benjamin Bol Mel, and petroleum minister Puot Kang Chuol.