South Sudan rivals strike unity deal

Addis Ababa, February 22, 2020 (FBC) – Former South Sudanese rebel leader Riek Machar has been sworn in as first vice-president, sealing a peace deal aimed at ending six years of civil war.

President Salva Kiir witnessed the moment at a ceremony at the State House in the capital, Juba.

It is hoped that the new unity government will bring an end to the conflict that has killed about 400,000 people and displaced millions.

However, previous deals were widely heralded only to fall apart.

Saturday’s ceremony took place just before the deadline for an agreement expired.

“I do hereby swear that I shall be faithful and bear diligence to the Republic of South Sudan,” Mr Machar said in his oath.

He then embraced and shook hands with President Kiir. Also present at the ceremony was the leader of Sudan, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

Under the agreement, the current cabinet has been dissolved to make way for more opposition members.

Source: BBC