The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has confirmed that Dr. Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon, South Sudan’s First Vice President, and seven other senior figures, will stand trial over their alleged roles in the Nasir attack a deadly assault by the White Army militia from March 3–7, 2025, that killed over 250 people, including SSPDF officers and UN personnel.
Justice Minister Dr. Joseph Geng Akech said the incident marked a severe violation of international humanitarian law, involving targeted civilian attacks, looting of aid compounds, and desecration of corpses.
An investigation linked the SPLM-IO leadership to the planning and execution of the attack, with Dr. Machar accused of coordinating military operations.
Out of 21 indicted individuals, eight are currently in custody, including top officials such as Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam.
The case will proceed to trial in a South Sudanese court, with opening and closing sessions open to the media. The Ministry emphasized due process, urged restraint from public commentary, and vowed that justice will be served.
Observers say the trial could have far-reaching impacts on South Sudan’s peace process and the fragile transitional government.
