S. Sudan's president appoints rebel leader as 1st vice-president

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Thursday appointed rebel leader Riek Machar as his first vice president, as stipulated in peace deal signed last year, official South Sudan TV reported.

According to a president degree, the incumbent vice president, James Wani Igga, assumes the post of second vice president.

The peace deal signed by South Sudan's warring parties in August last year grants the current government a legislation majority, the presidency and 53 percent of ministerial portfolios.

The deal also gives the rebels the position of first vice president and 33 percent of ministerial portfolios, while the remaining 14 percent goes to other opposition groups, excluding the Greater Upper Nile region of Jonglei, Upper Nile and Unity States where 53 percent were allotted for the rebels and 33 for the current government.

The agreement, however, faced a real difficulty after President Kiir decided in October last year to re-divide South Sudan into 28 states instead of the current 10 states.

The rebel group, led by Machar, refused formation of a transitional government stipulated in the deal, in protest against the division.

South Sudan plunged into violence in December 2013, when fighting erupting between troops loyal to President Kiir and defectors led by his former deputy Machar. Endit