South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar has been charged with murder, treason, and crimes against humanity for his alleged involvement in attacks by the White Army militia against federal forces in the northeastern Upper Nile State.
Machar, who has been under house arrest since March, was charged along with seven others, including Puot Kang Chol, the former minister of petroleum.
The charges stem from clashes between the militia and federal forces, which have exacerbated the country’s long-standing conflict.
Machar’s opposition forces had previously battled forces loyal to President Salva Kiir during a civil war from 2013 to 2018, resulting in an estimated 400,000 deaths.
The recent charges against him mark a significant development in the country’s ongoing struggle for peace and stability.
Justice Minister Joseph Geng announced the charges, emphasizing the government’s commitment to holding accountable those responsible for violence and atrocities.
