High-Stakes Trial in Juba
Beneath the glare of Juba’s special court, prosecutors have spent weeks tracing the violent March 2025 seizure of Nasir garrison to suspended First Vice President Riek Machar. Monday’s twelfth hearing added fresh detail, yet the defense insists the narrative remains stitched together with speculative threads.
Court Hears Investigator Testimony
Lead investigator Maj. Gen. Basilio Thomas Wani told judges that Machar personally approved county teams which later mobilised the White Army militia against South Sudan People’s Defence Forces positions in Nasir and Ulang, Upper Nile. His chronology frames the SPLM-IO leader as the operation’s political and military architect.
Letter Allegedly Signed by Machar
Prosecutors displayed a March 1, 2025 letter, allegedly bearing Machar’s signature, instructing local administrators to “receive SSPDF barges” — phrasing the state argues concealed a battle plan. Wani said the same grassroots committees soon stormed Nasir garrison, leaving casualties and wrecked armour in their wake.
Surrender Turned Deadly
After the outpost fell on March 7, Wani claimed Machar persuaded its commander, Gen. David Majur Dak, to surrender, yet failed to shield the wounded. White Army fighters allegedly executed disarmed soldiers and seized weapons once United Nations helicopters evacuated survivors.
Co-Accused Face Varied Allegations
Seven co-defendants, including suspended Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chuol and Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, confront intertwined accusations of financing, intelligence leaks, and arms procurement. Mobile-money receipts, WhatsApp chats, and munitions invoices were introduced as corroboration, though the defense dismisses the digital trail as easily manipulated.
Investigators allege that 123,000 Kenyan shillings and 625,000 Ethiopian birr flowed to field units, while discussions reportedly covered 500 PKM machine-gun rounds. One radio operator is said to have tried deleting phone data during arrest, a detail prosecutors cite to underscore intent.
Defense Pushes Back
Lead counsel Dr. Geri Raimondo Legge repeatedly objected, branding questions “leading and prejudicial.” Most objections were overruled by Presiding Judge James Alala Deng, yet the courtroom exchanges signalled a strategy focused on procedural lapses rather than outright rebuttal of the events themselves.
Regional Stakes and Next Hearing
With several accused still at large and a fragile 2018 peace deal under strain, the proceedings hold ramifications beyond the dock. Judge Deng adjourned until 22 October, promising to address outstanding arrest warrants. Observers anticipate more testimony on the chain of command in coming sessions.