South Sudan's First Vice-President Riek Machar has been charged with murder, treason, and crimes against humanity in a move that some fear could reignite the country's civil war.
Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech stated that the charges stem from a militia attack in March, allegedly linked to Machar. Roads leading to his residence in the capital, Juba, have been barricaded by soldiers and armored vehicles.
Forces loyal to Machar previously engaged in a five-year civil conflict against those supporting President Salva Kiir until a peace agreement was reached in 2018.
Since March, Machar has been under house arrest, a situation that has prompted the UN, African Union, and neighboring countries to call for restraint.
The 2018 peace deal halted a conflict that claimed nearly 400,000 lives, but tensions linger as relations between Machar and Kiir have deteriorated amid ethnic strife and sporadic violence.
In addition to Machar, several of his allies, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Army Deputy Chief of Staff Gabriel Duop Lam, are also facing charges. Another 13 suspects tied to the incident remain at large, according to the justice minister.
The attack in question involved the White Army militia, primarily composed of Nuer ethnic fighters, who allegedly overtook an army base in Nasir, resulting in significant casualties.
This case sends a clear message: those who commit atrocities against the people of South Sudan will be held accountable, no matter their position or political influence, Akech emphasized. He asserted that due to its judicial nature, the matter should not be open for political negotiation.
Machar has remained silent regarding the allegations.
Gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan descended into civil war within two years, citing deep-rooted conflicts that continue to affect the nation.
