Uganda welcomes Machar's return

The return to Juba and swearing in of rebel leader, Riek Machar, as Vice President of South Sudan y, has been described by Uganda as a positive move that would throw-back the conflict-torn country into the correct-line.

According to Henry Okello Oryem, the State minister for foreign affairs, the only remaining roadblock to the re-union of old-time comrades, Machar and President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir, is to implement the peace accord word-per-word for the good of the country's citizens and region.

"The return of Riek Machar is a positive move. It is not only good for the citizens of South Sudan but also Uganda and the region," he said.

Recently, South Sudan was admitted as a member of the East African Community, which comprises of Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania and Rwanda.

"We expect that the implementation of the accord word-per-word is going to begin. We need sustainable peace in South Sudan, and we strongly believe that this sustainable peace would bring social-economic development in the country and the region. So, Uganda welcomes Machar's return and the full implementation of the agreement," Oryem added.

Machar was sworn in as Vice president, a move Oryem said would boost the much-needed implementation of the peace accord.

Machar returned to Juba, , on Tuesday this week. He had fled to the jungles after a bloddy fall-out with Kiir, which claimed thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of South Sudanese.

The conflict started in December 2013 after Machar was accused of organizing a coup against Kiir.

Speaking to international journalists yesterday after the swearing in ceremony, Kiir and Machar pledged to cooperate for the good of their country and the region.

"I am very committed to implement this agreement so that the process of national reconciliation and healing is started as soon as possible," Mahar told AFP news agency yesterday during a press conference at the the Presidential Palace in Juba.

On the other hand, kiir, who described Machar as a brother, said: "I have no doubt that his return to Juba today marks the end of the war and the return of peace and stability to South Sudan."