South Sudan’s long awaited ‘messiah’ Riek Machar lands in Juba

Plane carrying South Sudan rebel leader and first vice president designate Riek Machar has finally touched down at Juba International Airport amid tight security.

South Sudan rebel leader Riek Machar boarding. Photo credit: Wani Michael

Machar returned to Juba to take post of vice president as part of deal to end civil war.

Machar, who was originally due back in the city on April 18 under a peace deal, is expected to head immediately from the airport to the presidential palace to be sworn in.

His delayed arrival infuriated the international community after the months of negotiations spent on getting the rivals to return to the same city and share power in the world’s newest country.

Ensuring they work together in a unity government, and that the thousands of rival armed forces now in separate camps inside the capital keep their guns quiet, will be an even bigger challenge