Obama Opposes Machar Return To South Sudan As VP

The US does not believe that South Sudan’s ousted Vice-President Riek Machar should not return to his former position, its special envoy to Sudan and South Sudan Donald Booth told a U.S. House of Representatives committee.

Machar, who was replaced by a former ally, Taban Deng Gai, has sought refuge in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum after fleeing the capital, Juba.

He left in July following fighting between his troops and those loyal to his rival, President Salva Kiir.

Newly appointed Vice President of South Sudan, Taban Deng Gai (L) and South Sudan's President Salva Kiir (R) pose at State House, in Juba on July 26, 2016. SAMIR BOL/AFP/Getty Images) — **Newly appointed Vice President of South Sudan, Taban Deng Gai (L) and South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir (R) pose at State House, in Juba on July 26, 2016. SAMIR BOL/AFP/Getty Images)**

The two men were in a government of national unity following a peace deal signed in August 2015 that was meant to end the country’s civil war.

Mr Booth however warned that the US does not support how Mr Kiir has dealt with those who disagree with him:

“This cannot become a justification for President Kiir to monopolize power and stifle dissenting political voices,” he said.

The government of South Sudan recently agreed to accept a 4,000-strong protection force to boost UN peacekeepers who have been criticised for failing to protect civilians.