Machar finally arrives in Juba, commits to peace process

Riek Machar, the South Sudanese rebel leader has finally arrived in the capital Juba on Tuesday afternoon, where he is expected to take office as vice president under the peace agreement signed in August 2015.

The first words from him point to the fact that he expects a durable ceasefire across the country as a first step to a lasting peace process in the country. “I am here for peace,” he is quoted as saying.

1st Vice President designate Riek Machar has arrived in Juba aboard a UN flight #SouthSudan unmissmedia

— Radio Miraya (RadioMiraya) April 26, 2016

His presence after a long delay is intended to bring peace to the country that has been suffering from more than two years of war civil, according to the AFP.

Machar touched down at the Juba airport amid high security presence, he was dressed in a colorful shirt, and was welcomed by ministers and diplomats upon landing.

Radio Miraya in Sudan reports him as speaking of a permanent ceasefire and economic stability as the two most important things to be done; “First challenge is to ensure permanent ceasefire is expected all over the country, our second challenge is to stabilize the economy.’‘

Machar – “First challenge is to ensure permanent ceasefire is expected all over the country” unmissmedia #SouthSudan

— Radio Miraya (RadioMiraya) April 26, 2016

Our second challenge is to stabilize the economy – Riek Machar #SouthSudan unmissmedia #LIVE on 101 FM RadioMiraya

— Radio Miraya (@RadioMiraya) April 26, 2016

He would be expected to proceed to the presidential palace to take the oath as vice president.

Meanwhile, there are reports of jubilations in Juba as citizens learnt of the arrival of Machar and the gradual efforts towards peace in the young African nation.