South Sudan Peace Doubtful

A statement from the government on Tuesday had said Mr Machar’s return was delayed as “he wanted to come with an arsenal of arms… anti-tanks, laser guided missiles and heavy machine guns”.

The peace deal in South Sudan is at risk after the failure of rebel leader Riek Machar to return to the capital, Juba, the monitors who brokered the agreement have warned.

The US said it was disappointed by Mr Machar’s “wilful decision” not to abide by his own commitments.

This is a key part of the deal aimed at ending more than two years of conflict.