Lack of authorisation in Juba caused my delay - Riek Machar

South Sudan’s rebel leader Riek Machar expected to pick up his new position as vice president of the country says lack of landing authorisation in Juba caused his delay in returning to the capital.

His return had also been delayed by disagreements with the government over the quantity of arms and troops he was travelling with.

South Sudan rebel chief Riek Machar to miss Saturday's deadline to return to Juba, government says – AFP https://t.co/A6nLw5qeN9

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Following negotiations with the government led by Salva Kiir, the two camps agreed on Friday that Machar carries with him 195 soldiers and their AK 47s, 20 machine guns and 20 rocket launchers.

“We had planned that by Saturday we go to Juba. And thats why there are two aircrafts ready to take us to Juba. I presumed they had the permission to land but apparently they didn’t have it,” rebel leader Riek Machar said.

Machar further told the press at Gambela that he does not care how he will be welcomed at Juba which is controlled by his rival Salva Kiir.

He is now expected next week in the capital to take up the post of vice president.

South Sudan gained independence in 2011 and a civil war broke out two years later after president Salva Kiir fired the rebel leader who was then his vice president.

Thousands of people have lost their lives and more than 2 million others have been displaced with both the opposition and the ruling regime shifting blame.

AFP