South Sudan’s First Vice-President Riek Machar has been charged with murder, treason and crimes against humanity, a dramatic escalation that has raised fears the country could plunge back into civil war.
Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech said the charges stem from a March attack allegedly carried out by a militia linked to Machar. Roads leading to the vice-president’s residence in Juba have been sealed off by tanks and heavily armed soldiers since his detention began in March.
Forces loyal to Machar fought a brutal five-year civil war against troops aligned with President Salva Kiir, until a 2018 peace agreement ended hostilities in the world’s youngest nation. That war left nearly 400,000 people dead and millions displaced.
Machar has been under house arrest for months as the United Nations, African Union and neighboring countries call for calm and restraint. But tensions between Machar and Kiir have steadily worsened, fueled by deep ethnic rivalries and sporadic outbreaks of violence.
Seven other senior officials were charged alongside Machar, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Army Deputy Chief of Staff Lt Gen Gabriel Duop Lam, according to Akech. All are known allies of Machar and have been detained since March. Another 13 suspects are still on the run.
The March attack was carried out by the White Army militia, composed largely of Nuer fighters — the same ethnic group as Machar. The militia reportedly overran an army base in the north-eastern town of Nasir, killing around 250 soldiers and a general. A UN helicopter was also hit by gunfire during the assault, killing 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,” the justice minister said.
He added that the matter is now before the courts and should not be subject to political or diplomatic debate until a judicial ruling is delivered.
Machar has not publicly commented on the allegations linking him to the deadly attack.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after decades of war, but civil conflict erupted less than two years later. The fragile 2018 peace deal ended the bloodshed, but the charges against Machar threaten to unravel that uneasy truce.