JUBA, South Sudan, September 29, 2025 – A special court in South Sudan has ruled that it has the jurisdiction to prosecute suspended Vice-President Riek Machar and seven co-accused on charges of murder, treason, and crimes against humanity.
The ruling dismissed every objection raised by Machar’s defence team regarding the court’s authority, the constitutionality of the proceedings, and claims of immunity. The high-profile case will resume on Wednesday.
Court Rejects Defence Arguments
Machar’s lawyers had argued that the case should be handled by a hybrid court under the African Union (AU), as stipulated in the 2018 Peace Agreement that ended a five-year civil war. They also insisted that Machar, as Vice-President, enjoyed immunity from prosecution.
However, Presiding Judge James Alala ruled otherwise.
“The special court enjoys jurisdiction to try this case according to the Transitional Constitution 2011 as amended,” he said.
He also dismissed the immunity argument, stressing that the provision only applies to the president, not the vice-president.
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Charges Against Machar
The charges stem from a March attack by a militia allegedly linked to Machar, which left 250 soldiers and a general dead. Since then, Machar has been held under house arrest in Juba.
Machar has rejected the charges, branding them a political witch-hunt designed to weaken his influence.
His lead lawyer, Geri Raimondo Legge Lubati, told the court that his client and co-accused had faced a “politicised media campaign” from ministers and senior officials.
“To the public, this conduct amounts to unlawful prior conviction of our accused. The accused is innocent until proved beyond reasonable doubt,” Lubati said.
Lawyers Expelled
The court also expelled two of Machar’s lawyers after prosecutors argued they did not hold valid licences. Judge Alala ruled that the lawyers could only participate again once their licences were renewed.
The development dealt a blow to Machar’s defence team, which has consistently claimed the proceedings undermine constitutional rights and due process.
Regional and International Concern
The trial has raised fears of renewed conflict in South Sudan, a fragile nation that only gained independence from Sudan in 2011. The charges threaten to reopen deep divisions between forces loyal to Machar and those supporting President Salva Kiir.
The United Nations, African Union, and neighbouring countries have all urged calm. International observers warn that mishandling the case could destabilise the region further.
As Al Jazeera reports, the hybrid court envisioned in the peace deal has yet to be established, leaving the national judiciary to fill the gap.
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What Comes Next
The special court will reconvene on Wednesday to continue proceedings. Analysts say the outcome of Machar’s case could have long-term implications for peace, stability, and power-sharing in South Sudan.
Meanwhile, opposition figures warn that the trial risks undermining the already fragile peace agreement signed in 201
