SPLM Acting Secretary-General Jemma and Minister of Telecommunications Rebecca Joshua have been seen at the Juba Aiport ahead of the anticipated arrival of SPLM-IO Chairman Riek Machar. 

Machar is returning to Juba to take the post of first vice president under the terms of a peace deal signed between his rebel movement and the government in August 2015.

Earlier today SPLM-IO officials said that Machar's arrival would be delayed due to logistical reasons but later top spokesmen of both the government and the opposition confirmed he would still come.

Speaking on state TV, Minister of Information Michael Makuei said, “We welcome Dr. Riek Machar,” saying his arrival will mark the beginning of the transitional period.

Makuei also said that Machar is on his on way to Gambella Airport and will arrive to Juba today.