South Sudan: Machar's 'hanging' return, a cause for concern

South Sudan’s peace deal is at risk following the delay of Reik Machar’s return to Juba.

The rebel leader was expected in the capital on Monday to take up the position of 1st vice-president in the country’s unity government.

Machar’s team says the delay was caused by logistical and administrative issues.

The delay is putting the peace deal at risk as Machar has been accused by South Sudan’s government of planning to come with heavy arms before picking up his new position.

The joint monitoring and evaluation commission and the US government have called on both sides to ensure that reconciliation reigns thereby preventing South Sudan from further conflict and suffering.

US criticizes Sudanese opposition leader Riek Machar over his delay in returning to Juba https://t.co/EnOduq7X4V pic.twitter.com/yISxkVtfj3

— Nation FM (@NationFMKe) April 20, 2016

“Having come so close to the formation of the transitional government of national unity, all parties must ensure that the spirit of reconciliation, compromise and dialogue embodied by the agreement should be protected,” JMEC chairman, Festus Mogae said.

Machar and his rival Salva Kiir had signed a peace agreement in August last year aimed at ending a two year conflict but its implementation has not been smooth.

Thousands have been killed and close to 2 million displaced due to continuous fighting between government forces and the rebels.