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South Sudan’s First Vice-President Riek Machar is facing serious charges including murder, treason, and crimes against humanity, raising concerns about a potential resurgence of the nation’s civil conflict.
Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech stated that the charges against Machar stem from a March attack allegedly perpetrated by a militia group with ties to the vice-president.
Security has been heightened around Machar’s residence in Juba, the capital city, with tanks and soldiers deployed to block access.
Until a 2018 peace agreement, forces loyal to Machar engaged in a five-year civil war against those supporting President Salva Kiir in what is the world’s youngest country.
Machar has been under house arrest since March. The UN, the African Union, and neighboring countries have urged de-escalation.
The accord signed in 2018 brought an end to a conflict that resulted in nearly 400,000 deaths. However, ethnic divisions and intermittent violence have increasingly strained the relationship between Machar and Kiir.
Minister Akech announced in a statement that seven additional individuals have been charged alongside Machar, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Army Deputy Chief of Staff Lt Gen Gabriel Duop Lam.
All of the accused are allies of Machar and were detained at the same time. According to the minister, 13 more suspects are currently at large.
Reportedly, the March attack was conducted by the White Army militia, composed primarily of fighters from the Nuer ethnic group, to which Machar belongs.
The militia reportedly overran an army base in the northeastern town of Nasir, resulting in the deaths of 250 soldiers and a general. A United Nations helicopter was also hit by gunfire, leading to the death of the 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,” Minister Akech stated.
He emphasized that given the matter is now before the courts, it should not be subject to political or diplomatic discussion until a judicial decision has been rendered.
Machar has not released any statement regarding the allegations that he was involved in planning the attack.
South Sudan achieved independence from Sudan in 2011 after decades of conflict.
However, within two years, civil conflict erupted.
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