Road Closures During Machar Trial Hit Local Businesses

Trial of Machar Sparks Questions Over Stability and Business Confidence in South Sudan

(JUBA) – The trial of South Sudan’s First Vice President, Dr Riek Machar, has been adjourned after his defence team raised a formal objection to the legality of the Special Court set up to hear his case. The hearing, which took place at Freedom Hall in Juba, has drawn wide attention not only in political circles but also within the business community, where questions about stability, rule of law and investor confidence remain central.

Several roads in the capital, including major routes through Konyo-Konyo, Juba Town and the University of Juba roundabout, were closed to traffic on Monday morning, disrupting movement for motorists, boda-boda riders and traders. Local businesses reported a fall in daily sales, with some market stalls shut down due to restricted access.

Dr Machar, appearing in public for the first time since being placed under house arrest in March, sat inside a defendant’s cage alongside seven senior opposition officials. His lawyers argued that the Special Court lacks both competence and jurisdiction to handle the case, citing the Transitional Constitution and the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement.

Lead counsel Dr Gari Raymond Lege said that the agreement provides protection for the office of the First Vice President, meaning Dr Machar can only be removed through impeachment by a two-thirds majority of parliament. The defence asked the judges to declare the Special Court invalid and to release Dr Machar and his colleagues immediately.

The defence also objected to the presence of private lawyers on the government’s legal team, raising concerns about fairness in the process. They further argued that Dr Machar enjoys immunity as a sitting vice president and should not face prosecution in this way.

The prosecution dismissed these objections, saying the Special Court was legally constituted under the Judiciary Act of 2008 and staffed by Supreme Court justices. Advocate Ajo Noel Ohisa said the charges against Dr Machar and the co-accused are serious crimes against the state and the armed forces, which must be heard by a competent court.

The trial has raised fresh debate on the balance between peace agreements and constitutional law, with legal experts warning that the outcome could affect how political disputes are resolved in South Sudan. For the business community, the case is being closely monitored as an indicator of political stability and legal certainty.

Traders in Juba said Monday’s closures caused a rise in transport costs, with some boda-boda fares doubling. Market vendors estimated a combined losses in turnover in millions of pounds due to restricted access to commercial areas.

The Union of Journalists of South Sudan condemned the decision to block most reporters from covering the hearing, saying it undermines transparency and public trust. Only state broadcaster SSBC was allowed entry, raising concerns about limited information flow for citizens and businesses relying on timely news.

The trial will resume on Tuesday morning, when the prosecution is expected to present its written response to the defence’s objections. The court’s ruling on whether it has the authority to proceed will be a key moment for both politics and the business environment in South Sudan.

Impact on Business and Economy