The leader of SPLM/A-in-Opposition Riek Machar expected to arrive in Khartoum within the coming week, as part of a tour of East African countries belonging to the IGAD bloc.

Machar has been staying in Addis Ababa since the peace deal signed 9 May with his rival the President of South Sudan Salva Kiir.  

An advance delegation of the opposition faction by its spokesman Yohanis Musa Pouk was scheduled to arrive in Khartoum today to arrange for Machar’s arrival.

Riek Machar will meet with officials of the Sudanese government during his visit.

Reacting to the news, South Sudan’s Foreign Minister has reportedly said the expected visit by the rebel leader to Khartoum should be coordinated between the Sudanese and South Sudanese for the sake of peace and stability in South Sudan.

He pointed out that the two Sudans have good diplomatic relations and the flow of oil through Sudanese territory is evidence of the good ties between the two countries.