The Government spokesman said Rieak Machar Teny is still the Vice President of the Republic with full constitutional powers.
Barnaba Marial Benjamin made a statement clarifying the content of a republican order issued by President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Monday withdrawing “all the duly delegated powers assigned to the Vice President by the President of the Republic.”
Dr Marial pointed out that “in the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, there are responsibilities and duties of the President as well as responsibilities and duties of the Vice President.”
He explained that at times the President delegates to the Vice President some of his responsibilities and duties for a certain period of time and in the same way the President can withdraw these responsibilities.
Dr Marial added that Dr Machar is still the Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan and has all his powers as stipulated in the Transitional Constitution.
The Government spokesperson did not explain the reasons for President Kiir to suspend the Journey of Healing towards National Reconciliation due to start on June 1 that was seen as Dr Machar’s platform to launch his bid for the SPLM chairmanship.
Two-hundred youths were already under training for grassroots reconciliation work.
President Kiir’s republican decree does not say anything about their future.