South Sudan’s Vice President, Riek Machar, has been officially charged with murder, treason, terrorism, and crimes against humanity after a deadly attack on a military base earlier this year. The country’s Justice Minister, Joseph Geng Akech, made the announcement on Thursday 10, 2025.
The attack took place between March 3 and 7, 2025, in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, in the northeast of the country. A militia group known as the White Army, made up of fighters from Machar’s Nuer ethnic group, stormed a government military base, killing more than 250 soldiers, including a senior general.
A UN helicopter sent to rescue trapped soldiers also came under fire, resulting in the death of a pilot. The government holds Machar and 20 of his allies responsible for planning and supporting the attack. They now face serious charges, including:
Murder
Treason
Terrorism
Conspiracy
Destruction of public property
Crimes against humanity
“These crimes broke international laws and the Geneva Conventions,” said Minister Akech. “They included attacks on civilians, killing of humanitarian workers, and even disrespecting dead bodies on the battlefield.”
The United Nations, which has a peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, warned that the situation marks a dangerous step backward and could erase years of progress made since the country’s civil war ended.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, becoming the world’s youngest country. However, by 2013, it fell into a brutal civil war between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, leading to the deaths of around 400,000 people.
In 2018, the two leaders signed a power-sharing peace deal, but tensions remained. Over the past year, President Kiir has been moving to reduce Machar’s power. Following the March attack, Machar was placed under house arrest, and many of his close allies were detained.
Elections that were supposed to happen in December 2024 have now been postponed by another two years, raising concerns about the country’s future.
“This case shows that no one is above the law,” Minister Akech stated. “Anyone who commits crimes against the people of South Sudan will face justice—regardless of their position or influence.”
The charges against Machar have further shaken the already fragile peace in the country. The international community continues to call for peace, justice, and a return to democratic governance.
