SOUTH SUDAN’S First Vice-President Riek Machar has been replaced as the leader of the armed opposition, his chief of staff confirmed yesterday.

Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth said that chief negotiator Taban Deng would stand in for Mr Machar until the vice-president returns to the capital Juba.

Mr Machar led a rebellion against President Salva Kiir in December 2013 but signed a peace deal last year.