(JUBA COUNTY) – South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar and seven senior government officials have been charged with treason, terrorism and crimes against humanity. The announcement was made on Thursday by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Joseph Geng Akech, during a press briefing in Juba.
The indictment names Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Gabriel Duop Lam, a former deputy chief of staff in the army, among those accused. Charges also include murder, conspiracy and destruction of public property.
The case relates to an attack earlier this year in Nasir, Upper Nile State, when armed youth militias known as the White Army stormed a military barracks. The violence left at least 250 government soldiers and a United Nations pilot dead. The government says evidence links the White Army to the command of senior opposition leaders within the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), including Machar himself.
Justice Minister Akech stated that the indictment is meant to uphold accountability, regardless of political position or influence.
“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,” he told reporters.
Machar has been under detention for the past six months while investigations were carried out into claims that he was planning to launch a rebellion. His detention and the charges against him have heightened political tensions in Juba and across the country.
The suspension of Machar and his closest ally, the petroleum minister, comes at a time when the oil industry remains the backbone of South Sudan’s fragile economy. With oil sales being the country’s largest source of revenue, any disruption in leadership within the petroleum ministry risks unsettling business operations and discouraging foreign investors.
The charges also highlight the fragile state of the 2018 peace agreement. That deal brought Machar back into government after five years of civil conflict that cost an estimated 400,000 lives. Under the agreement, both Machar and President Salva Kiir were expected to share power until elections could be organised.
However, elections have been postponed, and analysts warn that this development undermines the credibility of the peace process. The International Crisis Group, a global conflict research organisation, recently reported that President Kiir has sidelined senior figures to promote his close ally, businessman Benjamin Bol Mel, as a possible successor.
In its latest briefing, the group warned: “South Sudan is entering a dangerous, uncertain new phase, and facing a confluence of grave threats exacerbated by the succession crisis and its fallout.”
Bloomberg noted that the trial of Machar and his allies could mark a turning point for South Sudan’s political and security future. If handled transparently, it may strengthen rule of law and accountability. But if seen as politically motivated, it risks igniting renewed fighting and deepening mistrust among rival factions.
For many citizens, the central concern is stability. Years of conflict have devastated communities, uprooted families, and weakened the economy. Inflation has driven the cost of living to unsustainable levels, with the exchange rate now at 7000 South Sudanese Pounds for every US Dollar. The political uncertainty following Machar’s indictment is expected to further weaken investor confidence at a time when the economy is struggling to recover.
Summary of Treason Charges Against Riek Machar and Allies (September 2025)
| Name / Position | Key Charges | Incident Linked (Nasir, Upper Nile) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Riek Machar Teny – First Vice President, SPLM-IO Leader | Treason, terrorism, crimes against humanity, murder, conspiracy, destruction of property | White Army attack on military barracks | Accused of commanding White Army |
| Puot Kang Chol – Petroleum Minister | Treason, terrorism, murder, conspiracy | Same incident | Closest ally of Machar, detained since March |
| Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam – Former Deputy Army Chief | Treason, terrorism, conspiracy, crimes against humanity | Same incident | Senior SPLM-IO commander |
| Mam Pal Dhuor – SPLM-IO leader | Treason, murder, conspiracy | Same incident | Named among eight indicted |
| Gatwich Lam Puoch – SPLM-IO member | Treason, conspiracy, terrorism | Same incident | At large, linked to White Army |
| Brig. Gen. Camilo Gatmai Kel – SPLM-IO commander | Treason, conspiracy, destruction of property | Same incident | Accused of coordinating attacks |
| Mading Riek Yak – SPLM-IO member | Treason, terrorism, crimes against humanity | Same incident | One of eight charged |
| Dominic Gatrgok Riek – SPLM-IO member | Treason, murder, terrorism, conspiracy | Same incident | Awaiting trial |
UN Pilot’s Death Cited in Treason Case Against Machar
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The case involves eight senior figures linked to the March 2025 Nasir attack.
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At least 250 soldiers and one UN pilot were killed.
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Government alleges the White Army militia was under Machar’s direction.
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Charges fall under both South Sudanese law and international humanitarian law.
