South Sudan’s First Vice-President, Riek Machar, has been formally charged with murder, treason, and crimes against humanity, a development raising fears of renewed unrest in the country.
The charges are linked to a March assault carried out by a militia allegedly tied to Machar, which targeted military personnel and resulted in multiple fatalities.
Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech said the accusations stem from the attack in the north-eastern town of Nasir, where the White Ant militia, largely composed of Nuer fighters from Machar’s ethnic community, seized an army base.
The assault reportedly left 250 soldiers dead, including a general, and also involved gunfire against a United Nations helicopter, killing its pilot.
Following the announcement, the roads to Machar’s residence in the capital, Juba, were sealed off with tanks and soldiers. Machar has been under house arrest since March, prompting calls for restraint from the UN, African Union, and neighbouring nations.
Machar led forces in a five-year civil war against supporters of President Salva Kiir, which ended with a 2018 peace agreement after nearly 400,000 deaths.
However, tensions between Machar and Kiir have persisted, fueled by ethnic divisions and sporadic outbreaks of violence.
"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," Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech said.
Machar has not made any public statement regarding the allegations. South Sudan, which became independent from Sudan in 2011, descended into civil war within two years, highlighting the fragility of peace in the world’s youngest nation.
