US EditionSouth Sudan’s suspended vice president appears in court on treason charges
Riek Machar faces charges in a trial reflecting South Sudan's political rivalry and fragmented institutions amid ongoing instability and postponed elections, analysts say.
- The treason trial of South Sudan's suspended First Vice President Riek Machar began in Juba, with his lawyer claiming that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case.
- Machar, detained under house arrest since March, faces charges including murder, treason, and crimes against humanity related to militia raids.
- The SPLM-IO party, which Machar leads, rejects the charges, asserting he supported the White Army during recent clashes.
- Machar's lawyer described the court as 'unconstitutional, unlawful, illegal and void', while the prosecutor dismissed these arguments as 'unfounded and weak'.
34 Articles
34 Articles
Treason trial of South Sudan’s Vice President threatens to reignite civil war
The SPLM-IO, formed after the December 2013 massacres of Nuer civilians in Juba, is the armed and political movement representing Machar’s core power base. President Salva Kiir has relied heavily on fighters from his Dinka base, the country’s largest ethnic group. These forces formed the backbone of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and, after independence, the national army.
In Juba, the trial of Riek Machar, the suspended first vice-president of his office, and seven other members of his party, SPLM-IO, opened on Monday, 22 September. They are accused of having played a role in organizing attacks against the South Sudanese army in the Upper Nile, in the north-east of the country, and are charged with "treason", "murder" or "war crimes". This first hearing lasted just two hours and focused on the defence's objection…
Eye on Africa - South Sudan: Machar's defence challenges legality of special court in treason trial
The trial of First Vice President Riek Machar began this Monday in South Sudan. He is accused by the government of treason, terrorism and even murder. The trial carries major political implications,…
Africa Intelligence Brief — September 22, 2025
Africa’s regions saw significant developments across business, politics, and security. In North Africa, Egypt issued a presidential pardon for Alaa Abd el-Fattah, a closely watched case for rights advocates and foreign partners. East Africa focused on South Sudan, where the treason and crimes-against-humanity trial of Riek Machar opened in Juba under tight security. West Africa’s […]
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