JUBA – Former South Sudan First Vice President Riek Machar has linked his trial over the March 2025 Nasir clashes to an alleged failed attempt by the ruling SPLM-IG to replace the 2018 peace agreement with the Tumaini Consensus.
Testifying before the Special Court on Wednesday, Machar said the failure of the proposal during December 2024 peace talks in Nairobi was followed by military operations against his forces in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal in January and February 2025, before the Nasir clashes on March 3–4.
“This failure subsequently led the ITGoNU/SPLM-IG to de facto abandon the implementation of the R-ARCSS and launch military attacks against the SPLM/A-IO,” he told the court.
Machar said he would provide further details of the alleged military campaigns later in his testimony. His account presents the Nasir case within a wider political dispute over the implementation of the peace agreement.
Machar also questioned why he is listed as the fifth accused, saying his name appeared first in a statement by the minister of justice and in the warrant establishing the court.
He described the designation as politically motivated, arguing that it denied him recognition of his position as first vice president. The court’s position on that allegation was not established in the statement provided.
He further challenged the dissolution of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity and the formation of a caretaker government on September 22, as well as plans to hold elections on December 22. He argued that changes to the peace agreement, Constitution and Electoral Law were unconstitutional.
During the hearing, Machar also asked the court to admit video footage of public statements by senior government officials made before and after his arrest, arguing that the remarks showed officials had accused him and other opposition leaders before the court was established. Prosecutors objected, and the court adjourned until October 19, when it is expected to rule on the request.
Machar and seven co-accused face charges arising from the Nasir clashes, including treason, murder, conspiracy, terrorism, destruction of public property and crimes against humanity. They deny the charges.
Prosecutors allege that forces aligned with the SPLM/A-IO and the White Army attacked a government garrison in Nasir, killing 257 soldiers, including General David Majur Dak, and destroying or seizing military equipment worth about $58 million.