South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar has been charged with murder, treason and crimes against humanity. Hours after the minister’s announcement, President Salva Kiir suspended Machar from his post. Seven others, including the former minister of petroleum, were charged alongside Machar.
JUBA SEPTEMBER 12: South Sudan’s First Vice President Riek Machar has been charged with murder, treason and crimes against humanity for his alleged involvement in attacks by an ethnic militia against federal forces in March, the justice minister said on Thursday. Machar’s spokesperson has condemned the move as a “political witch-hunt”.
Hours after the minister’s announcement, President Salva Kiir suspended Machar from his post, a decree read on state radio said, without giving more details. Kiir also suspended Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, who was charged alongside Machar, the decree said. The roads leading to Machar’s house in the capital, Juba, have been blocked by tanks and soldiers.
Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech said the charges against Machar relate to an attack in March by a militia allegedly linked to the vice-president, which killed 250 soldiers and a general.
Seven others, including the former minister of petroleum, were charged alongside Machar on Thursday following investigations into a suspected rebellion plot.
Machar has been under house arrest since March in connection with attacks by the White Army militia in the northeastern town of Nasir. Machar and President Salva Kiir have long been rivals.
Featured Image: Hannah McNeish
