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AU welcomes return of South Sudan's opposition leader to Juba

Xinhua, April 28, 2016 Adjust font size:

The African Union (AU) has welcomed the return of Riek Machar, South Sudan's armed opposition leader to Juba, capital of the world's youngest nation.

Machar was sworn in on Tuesday as the first vice president of South Sudan.

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Chairperson of the AU Commission, has welcomed the return of the leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition, Riek Machar, to Juba on April 26, said a statement from the pan-African bloc on Wednesday.

The Chairperson has equally thanked President Salva Kiir Mayardit and the Government of South Sudan for facilitating the immediate swearing-in of Machar as the First Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan, said the statement.

The Chairperson has expressed her hope and expectation that the measures would boost the efforts towards the immediate formation of a Transitional Government of National Unity.

The Chairperson has congratulated the people of South Sudan, and commended the leadership displayed by President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar, in their commitment to fully implement the agreement for the resolution of the conflict in South Sudan, and their patriotic action to promote the long-term stabilization and reconstruction of the country.

The Chairperson has encouraged the two leaders to maintain the momentum and accelerate the work of the Transitional Government of National Unity.

She has called on all South Sudanese to dedicate themselves to rebuild their country in earnest, foster strong institutions necessary for an enduring political system and revitalize their national economy.

Dlamini-Zuma has stressed the imperative of a united South Sudan, as the country embarks on a new chapter in its history.

While urging all South Sudanese stakeholders to continue rebuilding their country, the Chairperson reassures the people and government of South Sudan of the AU's unwavering support in their national endeavor, according to the statement. Endit