The special court in Juba, South Sudan, trying former First Vice President Riek Machar and seven co-defendants has adjourned proceedings until September 25. This decision was made after prosecutors submitted a written response to defence concerns over alleged security threats. The court’s 115th session saw Machar’s defence team file a written application raising concerns about alleged security threats against Machar, his co-defendants, and members of the defence team.
During the 116th session in Juba on Wednesday, presiding Judge James Alala Deng announced the adjournment. Lead prosecutor Ajo Ony’Ohisa had submitted the prosecution’s response to the application. Although the prosecution did not disclose the contents of its response in court, Judge Deng stated that the court is still investigating the allegations. The trial will continue after the defence team has a chance to respond.
Machar’s lead defence lawyer, Dr. Geri Raymond Legge, confirmed receipt of the prosecution’s response. Legge requested that the defence be allowed time to respond in writing at the next hearing. Judge Deng granted this request, adjourning the case until September 25. This allows the defence team sufficient time to prepare their response to the prosecution’s submission.
The trial involves charges related to violence in Nasir, Upper Nile State, in March 2025. During this incident, government forces suffered heavy casualties. Machar and his co-defendants face charges including treason, murder, conspiracy, terrorism, destruction of public property, and crimes against humanity. All defendants have denied these charges.
Prosecutors allege that forces aligned with Machar’s Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO), along with the White Army militia, killed 257 soldiers of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF). Among the victims was military commander General David Majur Dak. The attack targeted a military garrison in Nasir.
The prosecution also alleges that military equipment worth about $58 million was either destroyed or seized during the fighting. The case has significant implications for Machar and his co-defendants, given the severity of the charges. The defence team’s concerns about security threats highlight the complexities and challenges in this high-profile trial.
The trial's adjournment until September 25 allows both sides to prepare their next steps. The defence team will respond to the prosecution’s submission, and the court will continue to investigate the alleged security threats. This case remains a critical focus in South Sudan’s judicial system, given the high-ranking positions of the defendants and the gravity of the alleged crimes.
Key points
- The trial of Riek Machar and seven co-defendants has been adjourned until September 25.
- The prosecution submitted a written response to defence concerns over alleged security threats.
- The defendants face charges including treason, murder, and crimes against humanity related to violence in Nasir, Upper Nile State, in March 2025.
