Machar clearly under ‘illegal’ detention – activist

JUBA – A prominent South Sudan activist has said that recent failure by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny to be delegated to represent the country during recent IGAD meeting in Nairobi is a clear indication that he is under illegal detention in Juba.

Yesterday, several head of states gathered in the Kenyan capital Nairobi for an extraordinary summit of IGAD head of states and government.

President Kiir dispatched James Wani Igga, the Vice President for Economic Cluster, instead of First Vice President Machar who is the second highest presidency official after President Kiir.

In a statement, Activist Wani Michael questioned why Machar could not represent the country instead of Igga and said that the decision by the president not to dispatch him clearly indicates that Machar who is also the head of the SPLM-IO is under detention.

“I am here wondering what the hell First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar is doing in Juba that he can’t represent his immediate boss in such IGAD Heads of State and government meeting in Nairobi,” Michael wrote on Twitter.

“This is a clear indication that Dr. Riek Machar is still under illegal detention and not allowed to travel anywhere,” he added.