A leading South Sudanese human rights activist has issued a stark warning over the ongoing legal proceedings against First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny, saying the trial could plunge the country into renewed instability if not handled carefully.
Ter Manyang Gatwech, a prominent voice on human rights and governance, said the case against Dr. Machar must be approached with “objectivity and national interest” rather than “emotion or political agendas.”
“The trial of Dr. Riek Machar could bring down the country if it is handled with emotions instead of objectivity,” Ter said from Juba. “Some political actors portray Dr. Machar as the problem of South Sudan, which is a misleading and dangerous narrative.”
Dr. Machar, leader of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO), is a key signatory to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), signed in 2018.
According to Ter, some political leaders have misinterpreted Dr. Machar’s role, casting doubt on his intentions and undermining his contributions to the peace process.
“While Dr. Machar may have made certain political decisions that were not fully endorsed by his party or peace guarantors, he remains a vital actor in South Sudan’s fragile peace,” Ter emphasized.
The activist also pointed to the role of the TROIKA countries – the United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway – which, though not signatories to the R-ARCSS, have been longstanding supporters of peace in South Sudan.
Ter cautioned that any perceived injustice or political targeting in the handling of Machar’s trial could reignite tensions and potentially lead to renewed conflict.
“If Dr. Machar’s case is mishandled, the country could descend into bloodshed – something the people of South Sudan do not deserve,” he warned. “Justice must be served, but it must be fair, transparent, and in the interest of long-term peace.”
Ter urged South Sudanese leaders, the judiciary, regional stakeholders, and international partners to ensure that the trial upholds the rule of law and respects the spirit of the peace agreement.
“This is a critical moment for South Sudan,” Ter concluded. “We must act with maturity, unity, and a commitment to peace does not allow political divisions to unravel what has been painfully achieved.”
