The big but unanswered question: Where is Dr. Riek Machar?
By South Sudanese writer
August 15, 2016 (SSB) — SPLM In Opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar left Juba between July 8 and July 11 [when fighting started & ended in the capital] and have officially remained “around Juba.”
Supporters of his opponents and die-hearts critics have gone ahead and declared Riek dead. His supporters on the other hands, said he is “around Juba” waiting for the international community to live to its pronouncement of sending a protection force for their man before returning to Juba or taking over Juba militarily.
Right so, the fighting in Presidential Palace J1 on July 8 and the aftermath warrant godly certified security details, if any, before Riek return to Juba. The regional & international community is the godfather in this complicated.
So where is Dr. Riek?
- His several spokesmen said he is around Juba.
- Supporters of his opponents are divided. Some say he is dead. Other say he is on the run.
- The government of President Salva Kiir and new first vice president Taban Deng Gai are muted on Riek’s whereabouts.
- The regional and international appear to suggest that they are in contact with him.
- Some propagandists on social media said he is within Juba or abroad.
There is no singly proof beyond reasonable doubt that he is around Juba or dead. The most reasonable explanation is that he might be on the run. This is supported by media reports that SPLA and SPLA IO forces continue to clash in former Western Equatoria State.
The lack of explanation from the government in Juba is difficult to analyze but point to the fact that the President is comfortable with the new FVP Taban who is not acting like a co-president, contrary to Riek’s posturing.
The regional and international community, which demand that Riek be reinstalled to “his position,” is the elephant in the room. It strongly suggests that they know where he is and will eventually make it “his position.”
The last suggestion that he is within Juba can’t be dismissed entirely. Listening carefully to Riek’s voice on Aljazeera last month, he sounded composed, not a man on a run. Maybe he is dwelling in a secure environment. Some analysts claimed that the voice was sounding for a person speaking in a big building, a facility that can’t be easily available in the bush.
Depending on one’s political position this conflict, either explanation will answer your assumption. I am of the view that “patience pays.” If we wait with prejudice, our question will be answered.
© The writer requested to anonymity.
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