Former South Sudanese VP Riek Machar to face trial on murder, treason, and genocide charges linked to a 2025 militia attack.

Former South Sudanese Vice President Riek Machar, detained after being removed from the unity government, is set to appear in a special court on Monday facing charges of murder, treason, and crimes against humanity. His lawyer confirmed his readiness to stand trial, though details about the court’s formation remain unclear. The charges, linked to an alleged 2025 attack by a militia tied to Machar’s faction, are denied by his supporters, who call them politically motivated. The trial comes amid ongoing instability in South Sudan, a nation since 2011 independence, where a 2018 peace deal has weakened, elections have been postponed to 2026, and armed factions remain unmerged. The country continues to face deep poverty and international concern over its democratic setbacks.