South Sudan president sacks and replace vice president and rival

South Sudan: South Sudan's president, Salva Kiir, has replaced his rival and vice president Riek Machar with Mr Gai on Monday, a move according political analyst, could potentially sabotage last year's peace deal and reignite political tension and war in the five year-old nation.

In an announcement on the country's national broadcaster, It reads;

According to a decree "for the appointment of the first vice president of the republic of South Sudan", Kiir said he had appointed General Taban Deng to the post.

Mr Machar's replacement with Mr Gai was on the recommendation of the group Mr Machar heads,which indicate signs of rancor within the Opposition.

Forces loyal to Mr Machar early July engaged in clashes with Government forces in Juba where several hundreds of people were killed during the week long battle.


Mr Marchar who has not been seen in the capital, Juba, since the clashes, accused the President of trying to kill him.

Mr Gai has been acting as vice-president during his absence.