South Sudan’s Suspended Vice President Riek Machar Goes on Trial for Treason

The criminal trial of South Sudan’s suspended vice president began Monday in Juba, with Riek Machar appearing in a courtroom cage alongside seven co-defendants facing charges including treason, crimes against humanity, and terrorism. It was Machar’s first public appearance since his house arrest in March, following allegations of orchestrating an attack on government troops. Defense lawyers argued the trial violates the 2018 peace agreement that underpins the transitional government, warning it could destabilize the fragile peace. Analysts view the case as politically motivated, further straining Machar’s long-standing rivalry with President Salva Kiir. Proceedings resume Tuesday.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale