SSPDF forces deployed around Machar’s house withdrawn

JUBA – The joint security force deployed around the residence of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny on Sunday night has been withdrawn, a senior opposition official close to Machar has disclosed.

Yesterday, a joint force of South Sudan’s National Security Service (NSS) and South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) was deployed to the Airport Road leading to the residence of Machar.

Close Machar aides yesterday also said that the deployment was started with a few force last week following attacks on SPLA-IO cantonment sites in Unity and Upper Nile states only to get worse with ‘tense and heavy’ deployment on Sunday night.

Speaking to Sudans Post this morning, a South Sudan opposition official who is closed to First Vice President Machar said he force station around the First Vice President’s house and the airport road has been withdrawn.

“The force that was intimidating us all night has now been withdrawn by [President] Salva and the road from the airport that comes through Home and Away Hotel is now free and citizens are walking through it,” the official said on condition of anonymity.

He said First Vice President Machar is making contacts with the guarantors of the revitalized peace agreement as well as the regional and international communities to enlighten them on the developments in Juba.

“No, we are focusing on our normal duties and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon is making contacts to the international community and guarantors of peace to brief them regarding the development in Juba,” the official added.