Africa

South Sudan's Vice President Charged With Treason, Murder

Published SEP 12 2025

Story

Above: Riek Machar in the garden of the Presidential Palace in Juba, on Feb. 3, 2023. Image credit: Simon Maina/AFP/Getty Images

The Facts

South Sudan's First Vice President Riek Machar has been charged with treason, murder, and crimes against humanity related to his alleged involvement in attacks by the White Army militia on a military base in Nasir, Upper Nile State, in March.
TRT Global
Radio Tamazuj
allAfrica
The White Army militia attack on the Nasir military base between March 3 and 7 resulted in the deaths of more than 250 soldiers and a commanding general. A UN helicopter pilot was also killed during rescue operations.
BBC News
France 24
Al Jazeera
President Salva Kiir had suspended Machar from his position as First Vice President pending trial, along with Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, following the announcement of charges by Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech.
Business Insider
TRT Global
Reuters
A total of 21 individuals have been indicted in the case, with eight suspects, including Machar, currently in detention, and 13 others remaining at large, according to findings from the government investigation.
Business Insider
Radio Tamazuj
Dw.Com
Machar has been under house arrest since March, and roads to his Juba residence are blocked by tanks and soldiers, even as international observers and regional mediators have called for his release.
Business Insider
BBC News
Tanzania Times
The 2018 peace agreement between Kiir and Machar ended a five-year civil war that killed an estimated 400,000 people, but key provisions, including military unification and constitutional drafting, remain unfulfilled.
Africanews
Radio Tamazuj
Al Jazeera

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

These charges reflect necessary accountability for serious crimes against South Sudan's military and civilians. The White Army attack killed over 250 soldiers and violated international humanitarian law through corpse desecration and attacks on humanitarian workers. Justice must proceed regardless of political position.

France 24

Narrative B

This prosecution constitutes a political witch hunt designed to eliminate opposition through a compromised judicial system. The charges, presented in a kangaroo court of law, violate the 2018 peace agreement and risk plunging the country back into devastating civil war. International partners should intervene to prevent this dangerous escalation.

Africanews

Editor's Note

This story currently has limited reporting from right-leaning sources. We will continue to monitor all major outlets and update our coverage as additional perspectives become available.