This archive report was first published on 20 September 2019.
South Sudan President Salva Kiir has issued a stern warning to opposition leader Riek Machar, threatening to form a unity government without him if he does not return to the country soon.
Speaking during prayers at State House in Juba on September 19, 2019, to mark one year since the signing of a peace deal, President Kiir emphasized the importance of forming a joint government by November 2019.
"I want to promise you that in November the national unity government must be formed. If the armed opposition does not want to form a government, we will go ahead with the other signatory parties to form the government on time," Mr Kiir said.
Despite last week's face-to-face talks between the two rivals in Juba, President Kiir urged Mr Machar to return "well in advance" of November for the negotiations to continue.
"Even if he comes in October, I have no problem, let him come," the president said.
The peace deal, signed in 2015, aims to end a five-year civil war that killed tens of thousands of people, forced millions from their homes, and devastated the economy.
