South Sudan says arrested VP Machar tried to stir rebellion
Riek Machar, former vice president and rebel leader, speaks during a news statement with South Sudan's President Salva Kiir Mayardit (L) after their meeting in which they have reached a deal to form a long-delayed unity government in Juba, South Sudan, December 17, 2019.
Rift between president and longtime rival is deepening
Dispute threatens to drag South Sudan back to war
Kenya sends former prime minister as special envoy
Adds Machar's party comment, Odinga meeting Museveni, paragraph 14-15NAIROBI, March 28 () -
(Reporting by Hereward Holland; Additional reporting by Michelle Nichols in New York; Editing by Ammu Kannampilly, Alex Richardson, Timothy Heritage, Ros Russell and Andrew Heavens)
South Sudan's First Vice President Riek Machar is under arrest and will be investigated on charges of trying to stir up rebellion, the government said on Friday, the first confirmation of a detention that world powers fear could reignite civil war.
Reports that Machar - a longtime rival of President Salva Kiir - was arrested on Wednesday prompted international calls for restraint. Neighbouring Kenya sent its former prime minister, Raila Odinga, to defuse tensions.
