South Sudan: Riek Machar Denies Charges in Ongoing Trial

JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN — Riek Machar, the former vice-president of South Sudan, has denied accusations of orchestrating an attack on a military base during his third testimony in an ongoing trial. The trial, which began in September 2025, involves Machar and seven other members of his party. The 125th hearing was held on October 28, 2025.

Machar, a prominent opponent of President Salva Kiir, was placed under house arrest in March 2025. He is accused of planning attacks on a military barracks in Nasir, located in the northeastern part of the country, which resulted in over 250 deaths among the soldiers. Machar has consistently maintained his innocence.

Machar and Kiir had previously signed a peace agreement in 2018. The ongoing conflict in South Sudan has been marked by political tensions and violence, with various factions vying for control.

The trial is being closely watched both within South Sudan and internationally, as it involves key political figures and has significant implications for the country's stability. The outcome of the trial could influence the political landscape and the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement.