Dr. Riek Machar in the UK?
Riek Machar Disappeared and Went to undisclosed foreign country
It is confirmed by rebels that Riek Machar left two days ago for a foreign country. A chartered plane landed in Akobo and whisked him away.
Reliable sources in Akobo confirmed to me that he was picked up by a small plane. We will find out soon which country he went to.
Gen. Gordon Buay
Alfred Lado Gore and Angelina Teny in Addis
Dear all,
While Riek Machar is in UK, Angelina Teny and Lado Gore arrived in Addis Ababa today to join rebel delegation. After Riek Machar was picked up by the Egyptians on Wednesday, Angelina waited for Lado Gore in Akobo. Gore joined her on Friday and they both came to Addis today.
Sources close to Riek Machar revealed that Hussein Mar Nyuot, who is in London, refused to return to Addis because he disagreed with Taban Deng Gai. Without Hussein Mar, Riek Machar cannot stay among Lou Nuer.
It is now confirmed that Riek Machar went to UK for two reasons. First, to talk to Hussein Mar not to leave him. Second, to seek medical attention for his eye which was operated at Mayo Clinic in 2012.
It has now become apparent that the leadership of Riek Machar is rejected by Lou and Jikany military and political leaders. Without support from Lou Nuer politicians he will not stay in Lou Nuer area. For that matter, he has to persuade Hussein Mar to return to him.
On the other hand, John Luk is telling Hussein Mar to join the Seven SPLM leaders who formed the third block. It is apparent that Hussein Mar lost interest to work with Taban and Riek Machar.
Gen. Gordon Buay.
February 22, 2014 (JUBA) – South Sudan on Saturday downplayed the significance of the alleged visit of its former vice-president turned rebel leader to the United Kingdom, despite rebels denying these claims.
Presidential spokesperson, Ateny Wek Ateny said he was optimistic that the British government would not provide any weapons to Riek Machar.
“The visit would not have any significant impact that would affect relations between the two countries, because United Kingdom is capital of liberties and I believe the UK government would not provide weapons to the rebel leader if that were to be the mission,” Ateny exclusively toldSudan Tribune on Saturday.
The official’s remarks came in the wake of reports on social media that Machar visited the UK after leaving his base in Jonglei state by a plane allegedly chartered by Egyptians and went to the capital, Cairo.
The rebel leader, according to unconfirmed reports, allegedly got a visa at British embassy in Cairo on Thursday before leaving for the UK on Friday night.
On January 15, South Sudan President Salva Kiir cancelled Machar’s diplomatic passport. The visit, if true, would be the rebel leader’s first foreign trip since the outbreak of the conflict between rival factions of soldiers within the country’s presidential force.
MACHAR’S ALLEGED VISIT DENIED
But Machar’s spokesperson has refuted these allegation, saying the rebel leader had not traveled beyond South Sudan borders.
“This is not true. Dr. Riek Machar is in his base in Jonglei state. He has not travelled outside South Sudan since December last year. The government needs to revisit the source of such incorrect information,” James Gatdet Dak told Sudan Tribune on Saturday.
He, however, stressed that his boss was free to travel outside the country if and when he wanted to, hinted that the rebel leader had not yet decided to travel abroad.