South Sudan’s former first VP Riek Machar (R) and South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir (L) hold a priest’s hands as they pray before signing a peace agreement in Addis Ababa in this May 9, 2014 file photo. Photo/REUTERS

Salva Kiir orders attack on Machar’s hideout, Taban sworn in as VP

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has issued a directive on Tuesday for an attack and aerial bombardment against the hideout of former first vice president Riek Machar.

This comes shortly after Machar was sacked and replaced by former minister for mining Taban Deng Gai.

In a statement signed by SPLA chief of general staff Paul Malong Awan, the commander-in-chief directs that Machar be brought ‘dead or alive’ to face all charges against him.

Kiir also ordered the armed forces to be deployed along the South Sudan-Democratic Republic of Congo border and lay point ambushes against Machar.

The former fist vice president and his forces are believed to be heading to DRC.

A copy of the directive issued by South Sudan President Salva Kiir to attack former first vice president Riek Machar’s hideout. Photo/COURTESY 

Machar fled Juba last week following renewed clashes.

Fighting between forces loyal to Machar and those of the president erupted led to nearly 300 deaths.

Kiir had issued Machar an ultimatum to return by July 23, but the former VP is yet to emerge from hiding.

Taban took oath of the office on Tuesday morning in a ceremony attended by most of the diplomatic missions present in Juba, including Kenyan ambassador Cleland Leshore.

Taban addressed the ceremony and committed SPLM/SPLA-IO to work for peace.

He also announced that there would be a speedy reconstitution of Parliament and selection of speaker.

Source:http://www.the-star.co.ke