Africa-Press – South-Sudan. South Sudan’s Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs said on Monday that First Vice President Riek Machar Teny and seven senior members of his main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/SPLA-IO) will stand trial in connection with the March 2025 incident in Nasir.
The move signals one of the most serious legal challenges to Machar and his allies since the fragile peace agreement was signed. Officials said the prosecutions are aimed at ensuring accountability for crimes committed during the renewed fighting.
In March, violent clashes erupted between the White Army, a heavily armed youth militia that previously fought alongside the SPLA-IO during the 2013–2018 civil war, and government forces in the town of Nasir.
The incident left dozens of soldiers and commanders dead and triggered retaliatory bombings by government forces. A Sudans Post investigation later found that chemical components were used during the aerial bombardments, which struck civilian areas and intensified fears of renewed mass atrocities.
The violence also sparked a wave of arrests targeting senior SPLM/SPLA-IO leaders. Among those detained were First Vice President Machar himself, the group’s chief of staff Gabriel Duop Lam, and the petroleum minister Puot Kang Chol.
The detentions deepened tensions with the SPLA-IO’s peace partner, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), and cast fresh doubts over the durability of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.
Observers and civil society leaders warned that the arrests could undermine confidence in the country’s fragile political transition.
Speaking to reporters in Juba on Monday, Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech said a government investigative committee interviewed 83 suspects in total. Of those, 21 were indicted, while others were either cleared or remain unaccounted for.
He emphasized that the government was pursuing the matter through due process in order to demonstrate its commitment to justice.
“Eight are under arrest and charged 13 accused remain at large. 76 individuals were discharged due to lack of sufficient evidence against them,” Akech said.
Akech explained that indictments were confirmed for eight high-profile figures who will now stand trial. He noted that the accused include Machar and several of his closest allies, some of whom still hold senior positions in the transitional government. The minister said the decision followed months of investigations and careful assessment of available evidence.
“The following eight accused persons have been charged; Dr. Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon, Mr. Puot Kang Chol, Lt-Gen Gabriel Duop Lam, Mr. Mam Pal Dhuor, Mr. Gatwich Lam Puoch, Brig-Gen. Camilo Gatmai Kel, Mr. Mading Riek Yak and Mr. Dominic Gatrgok Riek,” he added.
He said the case will now proceed to a competent court for trial, where prosecutors will attempt to establish the charges beyond reasonable doubt. Akech stressed that the prosecution will be expected to formally summon the accused and follow established judicial procedures.
“The court shall henceforth move by the prosecution to serve someone for the appearance of the accused,” he said.
According to Akech, the charges were prepared under both South Sudanese and applicable international laws, reflecting the gravity of the alleged crimes. He said the indictment focuses on acts ranging from targeted killings to crimes against humanity, and underscores the state’s determination to punish serious violations.
“So based on evidence, the following charges were prepared under South Sudan laws and applicable international laws. One, murder. This is according to Section 206, Penal Code Act 2008, in particular the killing of Major General David Majur, 250 SSPDF soldiers and UN personnel,” he said.
He explained that the indictments also include conspiracy and common intention under Sections 67–69 of the Penal Code Act, citing alleged collaboration with the White Army during the Nasir clashes.
Additional counts were filed for terrorism and terrorism financing under Section 44 of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act. Treason charges under Section 64 of the Penal Code Act were also added, relating to actions deemed as undermining the authority and sovereignty of the state.
“The other charge relates to destruction of public property and military assets under Section 334 of the Penal Code Act 2008. Lastly, the crimes against humanity under Section 186 of the Penal Code Act 2008,” Akech said.
For More News And Analysis About South-Sudan Follow Africa-Press
