Juba Court Halts 44th Session
In Juba, the court hearing the case of suspended Dr. Riek Machar and seven co-accused adjourned on Wednesday after a key court technician reportedly fell ill, leading to the suspension of proceedings.
According to the court, the technician is responsible for handling technical equipment used during the session. The reported illness meant the technician could not attend, and the hearing could not continue as scheduled.
Why Technical Readiness Mattered
The 44th session had been scheduled for the prosecution to present its final witness, described as a forensic expert from South Africa. The court indicated that the planned testimony required proper technical support to proceed.
Presiding Judge James Alala Deng ordered the adjournment until Friday, Jan. 30, citing procedural constraints tied to the court’s ability to ensure the testimony was presented accurately.
“We have resolved that if the screen is not ready, we have to adjourn the session because the testimony should not be distorted, so we are adjourning for Friday,” Deng told the court on Wednesday.
Charges Linked to Nasir County Attack
Dr. Machar, 72, and seven co-accused face charges including murder, treason, and crimes against humanity. The allegations relate to a deadly attack on a military base in Nasir County in March 2025.
Prosecutors allege a militia linked to Dr. Machar carried out the attack. They say it resulted in the deaths of Maj. Gen. David Majur Dak, about 250 soldiers, and a member of a United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) helicopter crew.
Co-Accused Named in the Case
The other individuals cited in the case are Puot Kang Chol, 40; Mam Pal Dhuor, 37; Gatwech Lam Puoch, 66; Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, 53; Camilo Gatmai Kel, 47; Mading Yak Riek, 45; and Dominic Gatgok Riek, 27.
They face allegations including treason, crimes against humanity, mass murder, terrorism, and destruction of property, according to the court summary presented in the proceedings.