As parties to the conflict in South Sudan about to start the second round of revitalization forum scheduled 5th February in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, South Sudan’s First Vice President, Gen. Taban Deng Gai has declared that he will not step aside for Dr. Riek Machar because South Sudanese hate Machar’s leadership.

“I don’t think Riek Machar has a place in the TGONU because South Sudanese will be the first to vote against that,” he said.

Addressing the press at his office in Juba, Taban said Machar return to power as the First Vice President of South Sudan will be disastrous to peace and stability in South Sudan. Noting that South Sudan does not want a war-monger like Machar. “Why should I step down,” he asked.

Gen. Taban said that the return of Machar will come with many problems of governance and security.

‘Riek Machar will come with a large army, he wants to have two parallel armies in Juba, he wants a parallel government in Juba, that can not happen,” Taban said.

In principle, FVP said that he is not opposed to Machar’s return if it will bring peace.

“Anything, Anybody that brings peace to the country, nobody can stop it,” he said.