The United States government has called for the immediate release of South Sudan’s First Vice President, Riek Machar, following his reported arrest on Wednesday.
According to his Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) party, a convoy of 20 heavily armed vehicles stormed Machar’s residence in Juba, disarming his security personnel before executing the arrest.
The country’s defense minister and chief of national security were reportedly present when the arrest warrant was delivered.
The U.S. has condemned the move, warning that such actions could further destabilize the fragile peace process in South Sudan.
