Stephen Puoc, an official in the SPLM/A-in-Opposition, says opposition leader Riek Machar is expected to arrive in Khartoum today or tomorrow, as part of a tour to IGAD member states.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj yesterday, Puoc stated the visit was being arranged by the IGAD mediation. He said, “If the plane is ready now, I think he will travel to Khartoum either today or tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, a member of the advance delegation of the opposition faction, which has already arrived in Khartoum, confirmed to Radio Tamazuj that the rebel leader will arrive in Khartoum today.

“We heard that Juba is threatening the government of Khartoum with closure of crude oil if they receive Riek Machar in Khartoum,” said the same source.

For his part, the spokesman of South Sudan’s Foreign Ministry Mayuen Makol denied any notification from the Khartoum government about Machar’s visit, saying the visit by the rebel leader will not spoil the existing diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Last week, the foreign ministry reportedly said the expected visit by the rebel leader to Khartoum should be coordinated between the Sudanese and South Sudanese governments for the sake of peace and stability.

The ambassador pointed out that Juba government heard about the visit via media only. “It might be a mistake from the Sudanese Foreign Ministry for not informing us on the matter,” he said.

File photo: Riek Machar speaking at the signing of a ceasefire agreement, 9 May 2014 (IGAD)