South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir finally sacked Riek Machar on Saturday. Machar is now on the run after a 48 hour ultimatum to leave the the country. South Sudan’s SPLM/In Opposition (IO) elected General Taban Deng, or was forced to select Gen. Taban Deng (Nuer) as temporary vice president until Macahar returns to Juba. On July 23, Machar had sent a letter dismissing General Taban Deng from party positions and membership in the SPLM/IO. Taban Deng supported Salva Kiir position on not welcoming additional foreign forces to Juba.

The SPLM/IO politicians are being held hostages in Juba. Ambassador Ezekie Lol Gatkuoth, former South Sudan Ambassador to the United States who defected from his government in 2014 to join the SPLM/IO, announced the appointment of Taban Deng.

Although some may argue that Taban’s election may help salvage the peace process, in reality, this move is the last nail in thecoffin. In the eyes of the international community, the government is working not to scuttle but to scrap the agreement altogether. The IO is weakened and jittery in Juba. Machar requires assurances, particularly from the regional players, not to negotiate his life for change. Time is not on his side.