The African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) has called on the newly appointed First Vice President (FVP) of South Sudan, Taban Deng Gai to step down as he had promised IGAD so that Riek Machar can be reinstated upon his return in Juba.
On Thursday, AU’s PSC in Addis Ababa Ethiopia resolved that a third party protection force be deployed in Juba to take charge of the security.
PSC also encouraged both Kiir and Machar to return to the peace process and for General Gai to step down for Machar as he had assured IGAD heads of state and government.
South Sudan’s Kiir and Machar rival sides continue to trade accusations on each other of attempts to torpedo peace deal realized in August 2015.
“The decision encouraging Dr. Riek Machar to re-join the peace process and the commitment by General Taban Deng Gai to step down upon the return of Dr Machar with a view to returning to the status quo in line with the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARCSS),” the communiqué partly read.
South Sudan plunged into fresh conflicts after forces loyal to President Kiir clashed with Machar’s forces in Juba.
AU has expressed concerns over the ongoing fighting around Juba that has left hundreds killed and thousands fleeing to the neighbouring countries.
