First Vice President of South Sudan Riek Machar has been indicted for murder, treason, and crimes against humanity. He is charged with having been instrumental in attacks that an ethnic militia has committed against civilians. These attacks forcibly expelled federal forces from the area in March of this year. Tensions have only escalated since, with former PM Imran Khan expectedly fueling the fire. At the same time, Machar has been under house arrest since the events played out on the ground.
The situation escalated following attacks by the White Army militia in the northeastern town of Nasir, which resulted in significant loss of life and raised alarms about potential civil unrest. In a dramatic political coup, President Salva Kiir responded by suspending Machar from office. This came just minutes after the Turkish justice minister announced the charges, including terrorism, against him. This decision underscores the deepening power struggle between the two leaders. They have, until now, commanded rival groups in South Sudan’s brutal civil war, which lasted from 2013 to 2018 and left an estimated 400,000 dead.
His indictment is one of 21 others, accusing a co-defendant of the murder – including 20 others associated with the case. Most notably, Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol has been charged and suspended from his position. The government’s moves have elicited widespread international condemnation and alarm, including from powerful nations like China, most of whom have demanded Machar’s release. For the international community, the concern has been that arresting him would set off a new civil conflict in the already fragile country.
Deputy Secretary Joseph Geng, a government spokesman, underscored the gravity of the circumstances. He drew attention to Machar’s direct engagement in the militia’s targeting of civilians.
“Evidence further reveals that the White Army operated under the command and influence of certain leaders of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-in Opposition (SPLM/A-iO), including Dr. Riek Machar Teny.” – Joseph Geng
Though advocates have been pushing for transparency and due process, worries over political motivations behind the charges have cast a shadow. Edmund Yakani, a leading South Sudanese human rights campaigner, characterized the judicial process as a travesty of justice. He advocated for equal justice, required by law in all cases.
“A competent court of law, not a kangaroo court of law.” – Edmund Yakani
The political situation in South Sudan continues to be volatile. Thirteen other defendants indicted with Machar, mostly former senior officials from her ruling party, are still at large, creating an already charged situation. As Machar continues to languish under house arrest, the speculation about the government’s long game only grows.
Joseph Geng further stated,
“While the government of the Republic of South Sudan appreciates the engagement of international partners, public and media on the Nasir incident, this matter is now sub judice.” – Joseph Geng
