South Sudan’s former vice president and rebel leader Riek Machar left Khartoum on Tuesday for South Africa to seek further medical treatment.

His departure came nearly two month after he was flown from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Khartoum for treatment in August. Machar fled South Sudan’s capital Juba following fighting in July.

Speaking to reporters at Khartoum International Airport before his departure yesterday, Machar thanked the Sudanese government for the hospitality and medical attention. “I want to announce here that I am heading to South Africa for medical treatment,'' said Machar.

The prominent opposition leader said there was an attempt to assassinate him during fighting inside the State House in Juba. Machar noted that he is now ready to accept any initiative for peace in South Sudan.

"The peace agreement has collapsed, and up to now there is no any political initiative from anybody, so we will resist in self-defense,"said Machar.

 The rebel leader recently declared in Khartoum that he would fight to topple the Kiir government in Juba, amid condemnation from the international community.

File photo: Riek Machar