New York, September 26, 2015 (SSNA) — A high-level rebel delegation led by South Sudan’s Former Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar Teny — who now leads the armed opposition, has on Saturday arrived in New York, United States of America.
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) Representative to the United States Hon. Reath Muoch Tang, SPLM/A-IO’s Representative to the United Nations, Mr. Miyong Kuon, and other US-based high ranking rebel officials were presence at the airport to welcome Machar.
Dr. Machar, who will next week address South Sudanese in Nebraska, was welcome and greeted by thousands of cheering supporters who came from all over the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The rebel leader was invited by United Nations’ Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, to attend the 2015 UN General Assembly summit.
South Sudanese president Salva kiir was also invited by the UN to participate in the conferences, but refused, saying his deputy James Wani Igga will fill-in for him.
However, on Friday, South Sudanese Information Minister Michael Makui Lueth accused the UN of treating Salva Kiir like a "schoolboy," adding UN Secretary General failed to notify Kiir ahead of the time.
Makui also lashed out at the United States, asserting that he suspects the US was going to deny visas to some members of Kiir’s delegation without giving any specific reason why he believes the US government was going to denied some government’s officials entry into the the US.
On September 18, the South Sudan News Agency (SSNA) was told by a high-ranking government official that Salva Kiir fears if he travels to the United States, the SPLA Chief of General Staff Paul Malong Awan who is not happy about the peace deal could overthrow him.
Machar will participate in separate meetings designed for the implementation of the recently signed compromise peace agreement.
The rebel leader is also expected to brief the people of South Sudan about the peace deal and its implementation on the 3rd of October in Omaha, Nebraska.
The list of rebel delegation includes Deputy Chairman Alfred Ladu Gore, National Chairperson for Peace and Reconciliation Taban Deng Gai, Dr. Dhieu Mathok–National Committe Chairman for Roads and Transport Committee, Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth–Chairperson for foreign relations committe, National Committe Chairperson for Agriculture Tijwog Hather Agwet, Atim Cuei Deng–Protocol in the office of the Chairman, Angelina Teny, Henry Dilah Odwar, Hussein Mar Nyuot, Stephen Par Kuol, Sandra Bona Malwal, Lamumba S. K. Diaping, Peter Marcelo, Dobuol Lealweng Wuol, Sophia Pal Gai Lam, Rebecca Nyakier Thor, Judy Nyakuoth Tut Kuol, Joseph Yatta, Goal Chuol, Phar Dang Yuot, Gabriel Guok Dang, Chuol Koah Tiep, Peter Gatkuoth Moyong Nyuot, Gatluak Ruach Pur, Martin Abucha, Chop Puok Both, among others.