President Salva Kiir has suspended First Vice President Dr.
Riek Machar, along with Petroleum Minister Puot Kang, pending court trials on
charges of treason, murder, and crimes against humanity.
The government filed six charges against the two and six
other opposition officials following an investigation into the March 2025 Nasir
incident. The eight opposition figures are set to face court trials.
Dr. Joseph Geng Akec, Minister of Justice and Constitutional
Affairs, in a press briefing on Thursday announced the charges which include
murder, conspiracy, terrorism, treason, destruction of public property, and
crimes against humanity.
The accused are alleged to have coordinated with the White
Army in attacks on Nasir town between March 3 and 7, 2025. The incident
resulted in the deaths of Maj. Gen. David Majur Dak, over 250 SSPDF soldiers,
and a United Nations pilot.
The Minister of Justice added that 83 individuals were
interrogated, with 21 indicted -eight detained and charged, 13 at large, and 76
released for lack of evidence.
"The case will now proceed to trial before the competent court, where evidence will be adduced to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt. The court shall henceforth be moved by the prosecution to serve summons for appearance of the accused,” Dr. Geng said, stating that the accused have been informed of their rights, including the right to a fair trial and legal representation.
Machar has been under house arrest since March, a move that has drawn condemnation from regional and international communities amid fears the 2018 peace agreement could collapse and plunge the country back into full-scale war.
The charges and his suspension have sparked debate across South Sudan’s media space. The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army–In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO) has widely rejected and condemn the government’s charges and suspension.
