South Sudan’s president appoints former rebel leader vice president

Salva Kiir, the President of South Sudan, has appointed former rebel leader, Riek Machar, as his Vice President.

Minister of information, Michael Makuei, confirmed the appointment and the dissolution of all institutions at national and state levels.

Makuei said on the country’s TV station that the swearing in ceremony would take place today, Saturday 22nd February, 2020.

“The Vice President will take an oath tomorrow and thereafter we will continue to process the appointments of the cabinet,” he disclosed.

A South Sudan expert in International Crisis said the appointment was a major step forward. He stressed that Kiir reduced the states from 32 to 10 and appointed Makuei as the vice president.

“This is a major step forward, if indeed they form the government as they say,” he stated.

He further stated that Kiir’s compromise on the states issue paved the way for the two sides to finally move forward.