AFTER being overpowered by Kiir soldiers in Juba, Riek Machar trekked on foot under hail of aerial bombs from government forces. His rebels had been pushed out of Juba and retreated to their base in Jonglei. Soldiers destroyed the rebel leader's residence and were on hot pursuit to capture him.
Exhausted, sick and with no ammunitions Machar; his family and a few rebels crossed to DRC-Congo. He was rescued by UN Peace Forces-MONUSCO and flown to Khartoum for treatment.
Fast-forward to 5th August 2018, the two South Sudanese antagonists signed a peace deal in Khartoum centred on power sharing, where Machar becomes 1st of 5 Vice Presidents!
Will this deal hold?
Kiir's body language reveals a bitter man who cannot be trusted. Dr Riek Machar, if he returns to Juba must not move in without his elite forces and should maintain his own barracks as he did previously. No taking chances.
That look by Salva Kiir during the signing of the peace deal could be a potential killer look! (Courtesy, Tsomnyazi Times)