The South African Government has noted with concern some media reports about the presence of Dr Riek Machar in South Africa. Some of these media reports claim that Dr Riek Machar is under house arrest in South Africa.

The South African Government issued a statement on 13 October 2016 announcing the arrival in South Africa of Dr Riek Machar and the purpose of his arrival. 

Indeed, Dr Riek Machar is still in South Africa and the South African Government is taking care of him, given his profile. Furthermore, the Government is in constant consultations with the Government of South Sudan and the IGAD countries about Dr Riek Machar’s presence in South Africa.

South Africa wishes to reiterate her commitment to continue to work with the Government and the people of South Sudan in search of peace, stability and development. South Africa does this through her participation in the IGAD Plus mechanism, as well as the inter-party political dialogue which is facilitated by Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Chama Cha Mapinduzi of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Issued by Department of International Relations and Cooperation