South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has suspended First Vice President Riek Machar, who has been under house arrest since March, following formal charges that include treason, murder, and crimes against humanity.
The charges stem from a militia attack by the White Army in March on a federal military base in Nasir, which the government says left more than 250 soldiers dead and a UN helicopter pilot killed.
Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech announced the indictment of Machar and seven associates, including former Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, accused of coordinating political and military structures linked to the attack.
According to the presidential decree broadcast by state media, Machar and Chol remain suspended pending trial. Legal provisions cited for the suspension reference the Transitional Constitution and civil service laws concerning immunity and executive duty.
The move has significantly raised tensions across the country, with opposition leaders accusing Kiir of seeking to consolidate power and erode parts of the 2018 peace agreement. International observers warn that these developments risk undermining stability and reigniting ethnic conflict.
