Africa-Press – South-Sudan. South Sudan’s First Vice President and leader of the main armed opposition group, Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in Opposition (SPLM-IO), Dr. Riek Machar, has been charged with murder, treason, and crimes against humanity.
Justice Minister Joseph Geng announced that Machar and seven others, including former petroleum minister Puot Kang Chol and former deputy chief of staff Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, are alleged to be connected to attacks by the White Army militia in Upper Nile State in March 2025.
Addressing reporters at a press conference in Juba, minister of Justice Dr. Jospeh Geng Akech noted that 13 accused individuals remain at large, while 76 individuals have been discharged due to insufficient 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,” Geng said.
Geng stated that the case will proceed to trial in a competent court, where the prosecution will be required to present evidence to support the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
“The court shall henceforth move by the prosecution to serve someone for the appearance of the accused,” he said.
“So based on evidence, the following charges were prepared under South Sudan laws and applicable international laws. One, murder,” he said.
“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.”
The accused are also charged with conspiracy and common intention in coordination with the White Army under Sections 67-69 of the Penal Code Act, he said.
Additional charges involve terrorism and financing of terrorism under Section 44 of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act, as well as treason against state authority in accordance with Section 64 of the Penal Code Act 2008, which addresses actions undermining the sovereignty and security of the state, he said.
He said the charges include the destruction of public property and military assets under Section 334 of the Penal Code Act 2008, and crimes against humanity as defined in Section 186 of the Penal Code Act 2008.
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.
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