Special Court Hears Explosive Testimony
Juba’s special court resumed Session 24 with Vice-President Riek Machar and seven co-accused following proceedings from hospital beds. An SSPDF officer, under oath, relived the retreat from Nasir, setting a tense tone that kept journalists and diplomats glued to the gallery.
Witness Recounts Battlefield Chaos
He described receiving a crackling radio plea from a wounded comrade, then watching General David Majur fire furiously as White Army fighters swarmed armoured trucks. According to the witness, the attackers dragged the injured away and executed them beside the muddy Jonglei road.
Committee Lists Heavy Human Toll
Military investigators, the officer said, confirmed 257 soldiers killed, including Majur, and 13 wounded. Mass graves were dug in haste as front-line security deteriorated. The figures, repeated in court, drew hushed reactions and prompted the judge to pause for a minute’s silence.
Material Damage Tops $58 Million
Prosecutor Martha Jobe detailed lost hardware: 580 weapons, 19 troop carriers, support trucks, generators and radios. She placed the monetary cost at US$58,720,750, citing supply manifests and insurance tables. Defence lawyers quietly computed alternative valuations, signalling a pending battle over numbers.
Dispute Over Command Responsibility
The investigative report alleges SPLA-IO leaders knew of the garrison’s rotation plan yet allowed Lieutenant-General Gabriel Duop Lam to pursue a different course. The witness argued Machar failed to discipline subordinates or safeguard prisoners, breaching international conventions. Defence counsel dismissed the claim as conjecture.
What Happens Next in Court
Proceedings adjourned to Friday, 29th, when defence lawyers will cross-examine the same officer and challenge the video evidence. Observers expect the session to test the court’s witness-protection measures and clarify how South Sudan’s fledgling hybrid justice system balances military secrecy with public scrutiny.
Regional Stakes and Public Attention
The Nasir trial is closely followed across East Africa, where many view its outcome as a litmus test for the 2018 peace accord. Analysts note that a fair verdict could strengthen trust in transitional institutions and unlock delayed reconstruction funds.