by Denis Elamu
JUBA, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan on Monday downplayed allegations by rebels on the regional efforts underway to free the latter's leader and former First Vice President Riek Machar from exile in South Africa.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Mawien Makol said the recent statement by the Sudan People's Liberation Army-in opposition (SPLA-IO) rebel faction, which suggested some key member countries under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) are working on the release of Machar from exile, is inconsequential.
"We are now in agreement with SPLA-IO faction under Taban Deng Gai. Whether Machar can be released from exile or not does not make any difference," Makol told Xinhua in Juba.
Gai, who now leads a splinter faction of the SPLA-IO, replaced Machar mid-last year as First Vice President in the transitional unity government, which has led President Salva Kiir.
Earlier, the deputy rebel spokesman Brigadier William Deng Gatjiath told Xinhua of the ongoing efforts by Sudan, Kenya and Ethiopia to free their leader from exile. Machar fled Juba during renewed clash between government troops and rebels in July 2016.
The rebel spokesman added that it is clear to the region and the international community that there would not be peace without Machar.
The IGAD leaders in June announced the peace deal revival efforts to salvage faltering peace in South Sudan, but they could not agree on the inclusion of Machar as the Kiir administration views the latter as spoiler.
South Sudan descended into violence in December 2013 after political dispute between President Kiir and his former deputy Machar led to fighting that pitied mostly Dinka ethnic soldiers loyal to Kiir against Machar's Nuer ethnic group.
The 2015 peace agreement to end the violence was again violated in July 2016 when the rival factions resumed fighting in the capital, forcing Machar to flee into exile.
The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced millions that have sought refuge in neighboring countries.
