STAFF WRITER| Doran Media| Suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar has asked the Special Court trying him to digitally record his testimony, arguing that preserving the proceedings is essential for future generations of South Sudanese and the country’s justice system.
Machar, the fifth accused in the case, made the request on Friday while continuing his testimony before the court. He said his evidence should be preserved through both audio and video recordings to ensure an accurate and lasting account of the proceedings.
He told the court that a digital record would serve four key purposes: preserving what he described as the truth of the case for the people of South Sudan, safeguarding the testimony against possible changes in the country’s political and security environment, providing a legal and academic reference for future courts and institutions, and ensuring his evidence remains available for future review.
Machar urged the court to make full use of modern technology, noting that the judiciary had received computers from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) as part of efforts to modernize and digitize the country’s justice system.
He said the proceedings involving a former First Vice President could become an important historical and legal reference, making it necessary to create a permanent digital archive.
Machar also cited the practical challenges of writing lengthy statements by hand, recalling that during an earlier hearing he informed the court that his hand had become fatigued while recording his testimony.
However, Lead Prosecutor Ajo Ony’Ohissa opposed the application, arguing that Machar should not make such requests personally because he is represented by legal counsel. The prosecutor maintained that any application should be submitted through the Defence team in accordance with court procedure.
Ajo requested permission to respond to the application in writing, saying the procedure followed by the accused was improper. The prosecution also referred to an earlier disagreement over Machar’s written statement, noting that the Defence had previously challenged its submission before the court ruled that application premature.
The three-judge bench did not immediately rule on the request.
The case was adjourned until 10 August 2026, when the court is expected to hear arguments on the application before continuing with Machar’s testimony.
The Special Court has been hearing testimony from Dr. Machar as part of an ongoing trial in which he is the fifth accused. Since the hearings began, proceedings have largely relied on handwritten records of witness statements and court submissions.
Machar’s latest application seeks to introduce audio and video recording of his testimony, arguing that digital preservation would strengthen transparency, protect the integrity of the court record, and provide an enduring reference for future judicial, historical and academic purposes. The court has yet to determine whether such technology will be adopted during the proceedings.
