Machar remains under house arrest after being accused of instigating violence in Nasir, northern South Sudan.

The Panel of the Wise, a respected AU delegation, will arrive in Juba this Wednesday to meet with Kiir and opposition leaders. Their aim is to push forward the stalled 2018 Peace Agreement, which Machar’s camp claims has partially collapsed due to his detention. Kiir’s government insists the deal remains in effect.

Machar’s group is calling for calm and renewed dialogue, but talks have yet to progress. The AU hopes its intervention will prevent further escalation. Meanwhile, Kiir’s administration maintains that Machar is still vice president but under investigation.

--ChannelAfrica--