In a significant escalation of political tension in South Sudan, First Vice-President Riek Machar has been formally charged with murder, treason, and crimes against humanity. This development has raised concerns over the potential resurgence of the country’s civil war. Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech announced that the charges are linked to a militia attack that occurred in March, which is allegedly associated with Machar.
Machar’s spokesperson has criticized the legal actions as a “political witch-hunt,” asserting that the situation is driven by political motives rather than genuine legal concerns. Access to Machar’s residence in Juba, the capital, has been severely restricted, with tanks and soldiers blocking the roads.
Political implications and historical context
Forces loyal to Machar were engaged in a devastating civil war against factions supporting President Salva Kiir, a conflict that persisted for five years until a peace agreement was reached in 2018. This treaty ended hostilities that resulted in the deaths of nearly 400,000 people. However, relations between Machar and Kiir have deteriorated, plagued by ethnic strife and sporadic outbreaks of violence.
In addition to Machar, seven others have been charged, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Army Deputy Chief of Staff Lt Gen Gabriel Duop Lam. All these individuals, regarded as Machar’s allies, were arrested concurrently and have been in detention since. An additional thirteen suspects remain unaccounted for, according to Justice Minister Akech’s statement.
Judicial independence in question
As part of the political fallout, both Machar and Chol have been suspended from their official roles. Puok Both Baluang, Machar’s spokesperson, claimed that the ongoing crisis has been engineered by Kiir’s supporters to undermine the peace agreement, asserting that the judicial system in South Sudan lacks independence. “It is operating instead as politically directed courts,” he stated.
The March attack which triggered these charges was executed by the White Army militia, predominantly composed of fighters from the Nuer ethnic group, to which Machar belongs. This militia overwhelmed an army base in Nasir, killing an estimated 250 soldiers and a general in the process. A United Nations helicopter was also targeted during the incident, resulting in the death of its pilot.
“This case sends a clear message: those who commit atrocities against the people of South Sudan, against our armed forces, and against humanitarian personnel will be held accountable, no matter their position or political influence,” said Justice Minister Akech.
Akech emphasized that the case is now within the judicial system, indicating that it should not be influenced by political or diplomatic discourse until a court ruling is made. As of now, Machar has not provided a public response to the allegations surrounding his involvement in the attack.
South Sudan achieved independence from Sudan in 2011 after a prolonged period of conflict, but the nation quickly succumbed to civil war, highlighting the ongoing challenges it faces in achieving lasting peace and stability.