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South Sudan bars rebel leader Machar from politics

Xinhua, October 15, 2016 Adjust font size:

South Sudanese government spokesman Michael Makuei said the government has slapped a political ban on rebel chief Riek Machar following his call for arms resistance against President Salva Kiir.

Makuei told reporters in Juba on Friday evening that Machar will not be allowed to talk politics in South Sudan, instead advising him to seek asylum in a country of his choice.

He claimed that the government is working with foreign powers to identify a country where Machar can live peacefully.

"He is being exiled. He will not be coming back to South Sudan and he will never be allowed to talk politics any longer," Makuei said.

Machar fled Juba in July after fierce clashes between his forces and those loyal to president Kiir, leading to his ouster as first vice president in a unity government formed in April.

Machar has since declared war on Juba in a bid to topple Kiir's government, a move condemned by the international community. Endit