VP James Wani Igga: ‘Riek imposed on me a second time’

Igga said the compromise peace agreement signed by President Salva Kiir and Machar, which would give the rebel leader the position of first vice president is flawed. The Vice President previously supported the agreement.

“We are all remembered that our President did so sign but with reservations. He’s absolutely right, and I wanted to surprise you that I am also reserved,” he said. “I have never been consulted by IGAD, this is a fact. I just found the agreement imposed Riek on me.”

“For the second time Riek Machar has been imposed on my head and I am carrying him again this time round,” the vice president added. “Why should I always be the victim of South Sudan? Somebody saying patriotism. Am I the only person who has patriotism? All these people have patriotism.”

Igga said he has accepted to leave his position to Riek Machar for the sake of peace. He said there are good things about the agreement and he will be at the forefront supporting the implementation for the sake of peace.

“The issue is not about the personalities ‘Wani Igga or X or Y’, the issue is the country. It is our people who have suffered untold sufferings for almost fifty years. So I appeal to this house, if there is anybody who has been affected as an individual by this agreement, please, please stomach it as I did,” he said.

Igga warned this should be the last war so the country can embark on development.

“We can only fight in this country if we are defending this country foreign invasion, but not within and among ourselves,” he said.