JUBA – South Sudan’s Justice Minister announced on Thursday that detained First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar face charges of treason, murder and crimes against humanity, following the conclusion of a government investigation the SPLM-IO leader.
Joseph Geng Akech said Machar will soon be put on trial to answer for the charges which also include conspiracy and financing terrorism.
The four-page statement only cited several sections of the penal code, but did not publish details of the investigation.
The allegations against the prominent opposition leader originated from the events surrounding the outbreak of deadly violence in Nasir County in Upper Nile State in March 2025.
An administrative military deployment coordinated by SSPDF and SPLM/A-IO forces into Nasir town turned into a disagreement, which quickly escalated into armed clashes, consequently killing many and displacing tens of thousands of civilians.
The incident triggered a serious political and security crisis which was followed by the arrest and detention in Juba of several SPLM-IO political leaders including national MPs and ministers – the house arrest of Machar – a signatory to the 2018 peace deal.
The SPLM-IO chairman further faces accusations of treason against state authorities, destruction of public and military properties, and inciting violence in Nasir County.
Several of Machar’s detained allies, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and SPLA-IO Chief of Staff Gabriel Duop Lam also stand charged under similar sections of the penal code.
Justice minister Akech said the court trial will be opened to the public and is set to begin imminently.
