A prosecution witness told the court on Friday that a misunderstanding between the SSPDF and SPLA-IO triggered the deadly March 2025 Nasir incident, which killed 257 SSPDF soldiers, including their commander Maj. Gen. David Majur Dak.
Maj. Peter Malual Deng, the prosecution’s first witness in
the trial of suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and seven others,
said in the 26th court session that the Nasir incident stemmed from a
misinterpretation of troop movements.
Cross-examined by defense lawyer Kur Lual Kur, Maj. Deng said
the late Maj. Gen. Majur told UN Radio Miraya that the violence was caused by a
misunderstanding between the SPLA-IO and SSPDF.
He explained that the confusion arose from a rotation of
forces in Nasir, which SPLA/M-IO officers and politicians misinterpreted and
politicized, claiming the deployment included Agwelek and Abushock militias
sent to disarm civilians.
When asked whether troop movements are governed by the 2018
peace agreement, Deng said it covers only logistical and administrative aspects
and does not address political interpretations that could lead to clashes.
He was also asked if he had visited Nasir to investigate the
incident. Deng replied that the committee relied on information from survivors
and witnesses rather than conducting a first-hand inspection.
On whether the committee examined the actions of the SSPDF
high command, he said it did not investigate former Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Santino Deng Wol, current Chief Gen. Paul Ngang, or Deputy Chief Lt.
Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, because its mandate was limited to gathering facts and
identifying the attacker.
The court was adjourned until Monday, December 1, when the defense is expected to continue cross-examining the first witness, Maj. Peter Malual Deng.