By Ahmed Amin
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia
Under a landmark peace deal signed last month, South Sudanese rebel leader Riek Machar is set to become the country’s vice president alongside President Salva Kiir for a transitional period before a transitional government is drawn up.
On Aug. 17, Machar signed the agreement in Addis Ababa. Nine days later, Kiir, bowing to immense regional and international pressure, signed the deal in Juba.
South Sudan has remained in turmoil since late 2013, when Kiir accused Machar, who he sacked as vice-president, of attempting to overthrow him and his government.
In the 20 months since, tens of thousands of people have reportedly been killed in fighting between forces loyal to the two men, while millions have reportedly been displaced.
In an exclusive interview on Monday, Machar spoke to Anadolu Agency about the peace deal, alleged cease-fire violations, and Ugandan troops – said to support Juba – that remain deployed in the country.
AA: Why have past ceasefire agreements between the two sides been consistently violated?
Machar: The government [of Salva Kiir] has not shown any serious commitment regarding cease-fire agreements. Silva Kiir is not able to control his forces [and force them] to respect cease-fire deals.
His forces continue to attack cities and villages under our control with boats along the Nile River, each of which can carry up to 150 troops.
This is how the Juba government has systematically worked against us.
AA: The Juba government, for its part, accuses you of violating the latest agreement and attacking government sites. How do you respond to these charges?
Machar: This is completely untrue. On Aug. 29, I ordered my troops to abide by the terms of the agreement.
My troops have, however, defended themselves against continuous attacks by government forces, which have burned down entire cities and villages.
We have seen numerous crimes committed by Salva Kiir's troops in front of our eyes.
They killed a pregnant woman who was crossing the Nile by boat in the city of Malakal [in Upper Nile State]; we also saw them opening fire on passing boats.
AA: The media reported that a number of Juba government officials have refused to enter an agreement with you. Is this true?
Machar: We’re completely aware of their positions. From the beginning, we knew Salva Kiir would be unable to control his own people.
We have heard reports of a massacre committed by these [i.e., government] troops as Kiir was about to sign the agreement [on Aug. 26]. We lay the responsibility for this on him and demand an investigation.
AA: How do you evaluate Uganda's role in the conflict and its position vis-à-vis the new peace agreement?
Machar: We noticed the change in Uganda's attitude regarding the agreement. I sent a delegation to Kampala, members of which met with [Ugandan] President Yoweri Museveni, who expressed his country's commitment to the agreement.
Uganda this time is committed [to the agreement], and will withdraw all its troops [from South Sudan] 30 days from the signing of the agreement.
AA: What will happen to South Sudan’s armed opposition once a transitional government is formed under the terms of the deal?
Machar: We are calling on the Juba government to meet its commitments. Juba must confiscate the weapons [of the armed opposition] and evict them from South Sudan.
AA: What do you say to allegations that you enjoy the support of both Ethiopia and Sudan, along whose borders your forces now hold territory?
Machar: We reject these allegations, which are devoid of truth. Ethiopia and Sudan both support peace in South Sudan.
AA: Are you prepared to cooperate with Salva Kiir, with whom you are expected to form a transitional government under the terms of the agreement?
Machar: I am fully ready to cooperate with Salva Kiir in order to achieve peace and stability in South Sudan and develop our country and people.
The most important thing is to apply the terms of the peace agreement. If we can do this, we can easily make the transition and overcome all difficulties.
AA: How do you see the peace agreement now in view of the recent alleged cease-fire violations?
Machar: The agreement still exists. But we call on Salva Kiir to control his troops in order to avoid the negative consequences of these violations.
Salva Kiir should persuade those in his government who reject the agreement – and who represent an obstacle to the country's wellbeing – to accept the peace deal.
From our side, I have complete control over my troops. I gave orders to cease fire. I have sent delegations to Cairo, Khartoum and Nairobi to explain our position on the agreement.
