South Sudan Special Court: Machar Trial Adjourned Over Security Concerns

The trial of former South Sudan first vice-president Dr. Riek Machar and seven co-accused has been adjourned until Wednesday, 30 September, when judges are expected to rule on defence concerns over their security. The Special Court in the capital, Juba, adjourned proceedings on Friday after the defence submitted written comments responding to the prosecutions arguments against an application it filed last week. The defence has raised concerns about alleged security threats against Machar, his co-accused and members of the defence team. Machars lead defence lawyer, Dr. Geri Raymond Legge, handed the written submission to the judges and prosecution. He did not disclose its contents publicly. Lead prosecutor Ajo OnyOhisa acknowledged receipt of the defence submission. Presiding Judge James Alala Deng said the court is examining the security concerns and would issue its ruling at the next hearing. The session is adjourned to 30 September 2026, where the court will come and make the decision on the applications, Judge Deng said. Machar and the seven other defendants are on trial over violence in Nasir, Upper Nile State, in March 2025, when government forces suffered heavy casualties. They face charges including treason, murder, conspiracy, terrorism, destruction of public property and crimes against humanity. They have denied the charges. Prosecutors allege that forces aligned with Machars Sudan Peoples Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO), together with the White Army militia, killed 257 South Sudan Peoples Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldiers during an attack on a military garrison in Nasir. The dead reportedly included military commander General David Majur Dak. The prosecution has also alleged that military equipment worth about $58m was destroyed or seized during the fighting.