The opposition group turned 'peace partner' of the South Sudanese government SPLM-IO now say that Riek Machar is en route to Juba, reversing an earlier announcement that his return would be delayed until tomorrow.

Mabior Garang, spokesman of the group, said that there had been only “small administrative problems” and that contrary to earlier announcements by a separate SPLM-IO spokesman in Juba the vice president designate would arrive early this afternoon in Juba at around 1:30.

Separately, SPLM-IO Advance Team members called back journalists to the airport in Juba after they had left this morning following the announcement that Machar's return was delayed until tomorrow.

Earlier, Akol Paul, a member of the government reception team, said that efforts were still being made to ensure that Machar would come and said the chances of his arrival were "50/50".

Taban Deng, the head of the SPLM-IO Advance Team, told a BBC journalist that Machar will still be sworn in this evening in Juba.