"The trial of South Sudan's First Vice President Riek Macharhas reignited concerns about the country's fragile peace and the future of its unity government. Machar, who has been under house arrest since March, made a rare public appearance this week at a special court session in Juba, joined by 20 co-defendants, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol. He faces serious charges murder, treason, and crimes against humanity linked to violent clashes in Nasir earlier this year involving the Nuer-dominated White Army militia."
"Earlier this month, President Salva Kiir suspended Machar by decree, citing national security concerns. The move has effectively unraveled the unity government established under the 2018 peace agreement. Calls for transparency Omara Joseph, Advocacy and Protection Officer at the South Sudan Human Rights Defense Network, told DW that Machar's detention carries both symbolic and practical significance. "It is a gesture that South Sudan can also go for accountability," Omara said, acknowledging the country's long-standing struggles with institutional justice."
"However, he criticized the government's decision to limit media access to the trial, which was held in a venue typically used for weddings and concerts. "This is the time when we need international actors to apply pressure, because the world needs to know exactly what is going on in this trial," he added. "Why must the media be denied access and only allow the state-owned broadcaster?""
Riek Machar has been under house arrest since March and appeared at a special court session in Juba alongside 20 co-defendants, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol. He faces charges of murder, treason and crimes against humanity over violent clashes in Nasir involving the Nuer-dominated White Army militia. President Salva Kiir suspended Machar by decree this month, citing national security, a move that has effectively unraveled the unity government formed under the 2018 peace agreement. Human rights defenders view the detention as a gesture toward accountability but criticize restrictions on media access and the choice of an unconventional trial venue. Observers warn the proceedings risk appearing politically motivated and have exacerbated ethnic tensions between Nuer and Dinka communities.
Read at www.dw.com
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