South Sudan arch-foes sign ‘preliminary’ power-sharing deal

KHARTOUM: South Sudanese arch-foes on Wednesday signed a ‘preliminary’ power-sharing deal aimed at ending the civil war, with a Sudanese minister saying it sees rebel leader Riek Machar reinstated as first vice president.

Khartoum, as part of regional efforts to end the conflict in the world’s youngest country, has hosted a round of peace talks since June between South Sudan’s warring leaders President Salva Kiir and rebel chief Machar.

The rival groups have already agreed on a permanent ceasefire and withdrawing of their forces from civilian areas.

On July 7, they agreed on a power-sharing deal but its signing was delayed due to differences over the contents of the accord.

The “preliminary” deal sealed Wednesday should be followed by a final one on Aug 5, Sudan’s Foreign Minister Al-Dierdiry Ahmed said at the signing ceremony in Khartoum witnessed by journalists.

“The power-sharing document has been signed and it addresses all pending issues during the transitional term,” said Ahmed as he announced the details of the pact.

“Salva Kiir will continue as president of South Sudan and Riek Machar will be the first vice president,” he said.

“There will be four other vice presidents shared between other political groups.”

Once a final peace deal is signed it will give the foes three months to form a transitional government under the new format, which will then hold power for a further 36 months. — AFP