South Sudan vice president suspended over murder, treason charges
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has suspended First Vice President Riek Machar over charges bordering on murder, treason and crimes against humanity.
Mr Kiir, on Thursday, announced the suspension in a decree on state radio hours after Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech said Mr Machar was charged over his alleged involvement in the murder of about 250 soldiers and a general by a militia.
Suspended alongside the first vice president, who has been on house arrest since March 2025 for his connection to the White Army Militia in the Northeastern town of Nasir, were Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Gabriel Duop Lam, a former deputy army chief.
According to the justice minister, who spoke to journalists on Thursday, Messrs Chol and Lam are the first vice president’s allies and were arrested at the same time as him. Also, he said 13 others are at large.
Mr Akech said, ”Evidence further reveals that the White Army operated under the command and influence of certain leaders of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-in-Opposition (SPLM/A-iO), including Dr. Riek Machar Teny.
”This case sends a clear message: those who commit atrocities against the people of South Sudan, against our armed forces and against humanitarian personnel will be held accountable, no matter their position or political influence.”
Mr Akech stated that the case was now under judicial consideration and therefore prohibited for public discussion.
”While the government of the Republic of South Sudan appreciates the engagement of international partners, public and media on the Nasir incident, this matter is now sub judice,” the minister stated.
Mr Machar was appointed first vice president of South Sudan in 2011, shortly after the country gained independence from Sudan. However, he was accused by the president of attempting a coup in December 2013, which resulted in political tension, causing the outbreak of a civil war in South Sudan.
In April 2016, he was reappointed vice president for the second time as part of a peace deal between the government and his rebels.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Abuja
FCT NLC suspends indefinite strike
The NLC chair said the suspension was agreed upon in the spirit of social dialogue and industrial harmony.
Health
Ebola: Africa CDC seeks urgent international support for Nigeria
Mr Kaseya said Africa CDC had begun mobilising support for Nigeria while intensifying response efforts in DRC, Congo and Kenya.
States
Police raid kidnappers’ hideouts in Nasarawa forests
Mr Jidda added that police personnel were already operating in the forests and would extend the operation to other forested areas.
States
Delta assembly approves state police
The majority leader said the proposed amendment would strengthen the protection of lives and property through a dual policing system.
States
Truck Accidents: FG mulls weighbridges on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway
Mr Dare attributed some road accidents to reckless driving, poor vehicle maintenance, and the removal of public infrastructure.
Anti-Corruption
EFCC secures conviction of ex-banker over unauthorised withdrawal of ₦1 million
Mr Nweke pleaded not guilty to the charge, prompting a full trial.
