South Sudan’s Riek Machar Charged with Treason, Suspended Now
BREAKING: South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar has been charged with murder, treason, and crimes against humanity following his alleged role in violent attacks by an ethnic militia against federal forces in March 2023. The urgent announcement was made by Justice Minister Joseph Geng earlier today.
In a swift reaction, President Salva Kiir suspended Machar from his position, as confirmed by a decree broadcast on state radio. This dramatic escalation intensifies the ongoing power struggle between Machar and Kiir, who previously faced off in a brutal civil war from 2013 to 2018, resulting in an estimated 400,000 deaths.
The charges come after incidents involving the White Army militia in the northeastern town of Nasir, where Machar has been under house arrest since March. Alongside him, Puot Kang Chol, the Petroleum Minister, has also been indicted. Geng reported that 20 individuals, including Machar, have been implicated in the case, with 13 still at large.
The international community has voiced serious concerns over Machar’s detention, warning that his continued imprisonment could reignite the country’s civil conflict. Geng stated, “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.”
Despite a peace deal intended to stabilize the nation, sporadic violence continues to plague South Sudan. The fragile unity government established post-civil war shows signs of unraveling, with both Machar and Kiir’s partnership remaining uncertain.
Activist Edmund Yakani, executive director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, expressed hope for a fair judicial process for Machar. He stated, “We trust that the court will be competent and not a kangaroo court of law.”
As this developing story unfolds, observers are keenly watching the implications of these charges on South Sudan’s political landscape and the potential for renewed violence. The situation remains fluid, with further updates expected in the coming hours.
