JUBA, South Sudan (AP) — South Sudan’s president has installed a new first vice president to replace opposition leader Riek Machar, who fled into hiding this month amid clashes with government forces.
President Salva Kiir on Tuesday installed Taban Deng Gai, who had been mining minister in a coalition government formed in April after more than two years of civil war.
Taban’s appointment raises fears of more fighting because most opposition generals and militia remain loyal to Machar.
A faction of the armed opposition on Saturday selected Taban to replace Machar, claiming that the coalition government could not function with Machar in hiding.
Loyalists to Machar are alleging a conspiracy to remove him. Nyarji Roman, a spokesman for Machar’s faction, calls the appointment of Taban “totally illegal.”
Kiir denies having a role in Machar’s ouster.
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