South Sudan Vice President Riek Machar Charged with Treason and Murder!

Sele Media Africa
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Reported by Amos Dachung – Sele Media Africa Reporter
September 12, 2025

South Sudan Vice President Riek Machar Charged with Treason and Murder

In a significant escalation of political tensions, South Sudan’s First Vice President, Riek Machar, has been formally charged with treason, murder, and crimes against humanity. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in a March 2025 attack by the White Army militia on a government military base in Nasir, Upper Nile State, which resulted in the deaths of over 250 soldiers. [1]

Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech announced the charges, stating that the attacks involved gross violations of international humanitarian law, including the desecration of corpses, persecution of civilians, and assaults on humanitarian workers. [2] The government asserts that the White Army, a militia predominantly composed of youths from Machar’s Nuer ethnic group, acted under his directives.

Machar has been under house arrest since March, following the government’s accusations of subversive activities against President Salva Kiir. [3] Alongside Machar, 20 other individuals, including former petroleum minister Puot Kang Chol, face similar charges. [1]
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), led by Machar, has denounced the charges as politically motivated, accusing the government of attempting to establish authoritarian one-tribe rule. [4] Analysts warn that these developments could jeopardize the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement between Machar and Kiir, potentially plunging the nation back into conflict.

The international community has expressed concern over the potential destabilization of South Sudan, urging all parties to uphold the peace agreement and ensure fair legal proceedings. [3]

For more updates on this developing story, visit
Citations:
1.⁠ ⁠Reuters: www.reuters.com/world/africa/south-sudan-vp-machar-charged-with-treason-murder-over-militia-attacks-2025-09-11/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2.⁠ ⁠Al Jazeera: www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/11/south-sudan-charges-vp-machar-with-treason-murder-over-military-attack?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3.⁠ ⁠AP News: apnews.com/article/8c3d1ddf00104917596bf4e4c35d5775?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4.⁠ ⁠Reuters: www.reuters.com/world/africa/south-sudans-opposition-says-government-trying-enforce-one-tribe-rule-2025-09-12/?utm_source=chatgpt.com www.selemedia.org.

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David Joshua Oliver

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Oliver David Joshua is a seasoned media professional with a passion for impactful journalism and strategic leadership. As the Managing Director and Editor-In-Chief of Sele Media Africa, he oversees the organization’s editorial vision, ensuring high standards of truth, balance, and bold reporting. Known for his sharp editorial eye and commitment to excellence, Oliver plays a key role in shaping the voice of Sele Media Africa across the continent. His leadership continues to drive innovation, credibility, and growth in Africa’s digital media space.

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