32nd session: Prosecution calls fourth witness in SPLM/A-IO officials trial

South Sudan’s rebel leader Riek Machar now directs the war from his home in Ethiopia’s capital. Photograph: Reuters

JUBA – The prosecution on Wednesday called its fourth witness to testify in the months-long trial of eight SPLM/A-IO officials, following judges’ cross-examination of the third witness.

The fourth witness, First Lieutenant Mohammed Ahmed Jidu, told the court that he was besieged in the same armored combat vehicle as Gen. David Majur and survived the final evacuation attempt on 7 March.

Testifying under oath, Jidu recounted a sequence of hostile events beginning in February this year, involving clashes between the national army and local armed groups, culminating in the violence in Nasir.

He alleged that members of the White Army and SPLA-IO forces held meetings and mobilized troops in the Ulang and Nasir areas prior to the outbreak of violence.

Jidu further disclosed what he described as communications between Gen. Majur and the fifth accused, Dr. Riek Machar, allegedly aimed at coordinating the evacuation of besieged soldiers.

Presiding judge Dr. James Alala Deng adjourned the 32nd court session to Friday, 19th December 2025, when the defense team is expected to begin cross-examination of the witness.

Earlier in the session, judges questioned the third witness, Joseph Malong Akot, who testified that he was airlifted from Nasir on 6 March 2025 after the garrison was overrun by armed groups.

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