S.Sudan govt says vice president 'under house arrest', calls on public to remain calm

JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN - The South Sudanese government on Friday confirmed that First Vice President Riek Machar was "under house arrest" and called on the public to remain calm.

President Salvar Kiir "in exercise of powers vested upon him by the Constitution directed the placement of Dr Riek Machar under house arrest" on Wednesday, Information Minister and government spokesman Michael Makuei Lueth said in a statement.