JUBA — The sixth prosecution witness on Monday testified in the ongoing trial of Dr. Riek Machar and seven other SPLM/A-IO officials, recounting his experience during the March violence in Nasir and how he survived the final evacuation attempt.
Sergeant Mayen Kuol Chan, a close bodyguard of the late Gen. David Majur, appeared before the court during its 35th session. He is the last prosecution witness able to testify without protective measures.
Mayen told the court that he listened to several phone conversations in which Dr. Machar allegedly instructed an SSPDF commander not to allow soldiers to board evacuation aircraft with firearms.
He further narrated that on 7 March, he narrowly escaped death when the group came under attack while boarding a plane. Mayen said he survived by holding onto one of the attackers and using him as a human shield.
According to his account, the assailants later spared his life but demanded a ransom of USD 10,000, which was subsequently renegotiated to USD 6,000.
Presiding Judge Dr. James Alala Deng adjourned the proceedings to 7 January 2026, when the witness is expected to conclude the final part of his testimony before cross-examination by the defense.
Earlier in the session, prosecution lawyer Ajo Noel Ohisa informed the court that no further witnesses can testify without protection. He urged the court to conduct subsequent sessions in camera to ensure the safety of remaining witnesses.
Dr. Riek Machar and seven other SPLM/A-IO officials have been on trial since their arrest in Juba on serious charges linked to the Nasir violence, a case that has drawn significant national attention.