Riek Machar
Riek Machar is South Sudan's First Vice-President and a long-standing leader of the country's main opposition movement, the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO). He is South Sudanese, from the Nuer ethnic group, and hails from Upper Nile State. Machar rose to prominence during the second Sudanese civil war as a rebel commander, later becoming a senior figure in the Sudan People's Liberation Movement before South Sudan's independence in 2011. His political career has been defined by a volatile rivalry with President Salva Kiir, which triggered a civil war in 2013 after Machar was dismissed as vice-president amid accusations of a coup attempt. The conflict, marked by ethnic violence between Dinka and Nuer communities, ended formally with a peace agreement in 2018 that reinstated him as First Vice-President under a transitional unity government. He remains central to implementation of that peace deal, including provisions on security sector reform, transitional justice and the drafting of a permanent constitution ahead of elections. Machar's relationship with Kiir has continued to shape the pace and credibility of South Sudan's transition, with periodic tensions threatening to derail the National Election Commission's electoral timetable. He recurs in coverage as a barometer of the country's fragile peace process, with international actors including the European Union and neighbouring Sudan closely monitoring developments involving him. Earlier in his career he briefly negotiated a separate peace with Khartoum during the 1990s, a period that damaged his standing among some SPLM colleagues.
Riek Machar Updates
South Sudan’s first elections won’t be perfect – but another delay could be even riskier
27th July 2026 South Sudan is expected to hold an election on 22 December 2026, the first in the country’s history. It’s already been postponed twice, in 2022 and... →
Race against time to stabilise South Sudan as elections loom
By: ISS, Institute for Security Studies 30th March 2026 With the window for holding meaningful elections fast closing, can the three initiatives underway deliver more than previous efforts? The December... →
South Sudan has never had an election to hand over presidential power: so what are the rules of succession?
3rd March 2026 South Sudan has not held an election since it gained independence 15 years ago, and progress towards a new constitution has stalled. Election dates... →
South Sudan government says rebel advance poses 'serious threat to peace'
By: Reuters 27th January 2026 South Sudan's government urged opposition forces to halt fighting on Tuesday, saying a rebel advance and ongoing clashes that have already caused... →
South Sudan orders UN personnel, civilians to leave parts of Jonglei State
By: Reuters 26th January 2026 South Sudan's military has ordered all civilians and personnel from the UN mission and all other charities to evacuate three counties in Jonglei... →
South Sudan's Kiir re-appoints former VP after sacking ally
By: Reuters 18th November 2025 South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has re-appointed his former vice president James Wani Igga to the same position, the state broadcaster said,... →
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