South Sudan crisis: Suspended VP Riek Machar charged with treason and terrorism
Machar faces multiple charges, including treason, crimes against humanity, murder, terrorism, and conspiracy, all linked to an alleged attack on a government military base in Nasir, northeastern South Sudan, in March.
The criminal trial of South Sudan's suspended Vice President Riek Machar opened in Juba on Monday, marking his first public appearance since being placed under house arrest in March.
Machar appeared in court alongside seven co-defendants during a special session broadcast live on national television.
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He faces multiple charges, including treason, crimes against humanity, murder, terrorism, and conspiracy, all linked to an alleged attack on a government military base in Nasir, northeastern South Sudan, in March.
According to the government, Machar sanctioned the assault, which left more than 250 soldiers dead.
Earlier this month, President Salva Kiir suspended Machar after prosecutors brought the case forward, accusing him of orchestrating the violence. Additional charges against him include the destruction of public property and military assets.
2018 peace deal
During the hearing, Machar's lawyers argued that the special court had no authority to try him, saying the case violated the 2018 peace deal he signed with Kiir.
The agreement, which ended a five-year civil war that killed an estimated 400,000 people, established the transitional unity government in which Machar served as first vice president until his recent suspension.
The defence team insisted that Machar remains vice president under the terms of the deal, warning that prosecuting him could destabilise the country.
They further cautioned that the trial risked escalating tensions, particularly as government troops continue to clash with fighters loyal to Machar.
Following the announcement of charges, South Sudan's main opposition group, the SPLM/SPLA-IO, called for mass mobilisation of supporters to protest the government’s decision to prosecute their leader.
The special court adjourned the hearing until Tuesday.
This development is the latest chapter in the fraught rivalry between Kiir and Machar, whose split in 2013 sparked a brutal civil war fought along ethnic lines, leaving deep divisions that still shape South Sudan’s politics.
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