In September 2025, South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar was formally charged with murder, treason, and crimes against humanity by the government, following alleged involvement in militia attacks. The charges stem from a March 2025 incident, when a militia known as the White Army, purportedly affiliated with his political network, attacked a government military base in Nasir, Upper Nile state. Over 250 soldiers were reportedly killed.
According to the government, the White Army acted under the “command and influence” of Machar and leaders from his faction, the SPLM‑IO (Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army‑in Opposition). Following the attack, Machar was placed under house arrest in March.
On 11 September, Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech announced the formal charges. Along with Machar, about 20 others have been indicted. Some are in detention; others remain at large. Hours after the announcement, President Salva Kiir suspended Machar from his vice presidential position. Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, who was also charged, was similarly suspended.
The case has heightened fears that the uneasy peace in South Sudan might unravel. Machar and Kiir’s power‑sharing arrangement—formally established by a 2018 peace agreement after a brutal civil war—has been fragile. Political and ethnic tensions between Nuer (Machar’s base) and Dinka (Kiir’s base) remain high. Human rights groups and international observers are calling for transparent proceedings, warning that lack of fairness could further destabilize the situation.
