South Sudan’s Vice President Charged with Treason, Suspended

Vice President Riek Machar has been charged with murder, treason, and crimes against humanity. The charges against Machar stem from an attack on a military base in Nasir in March, during which more than 250 soldiers were killed. A UN helicopter was shot at during a rescue operation, and a pilot was killed.

Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech said that seven of Machar’s allies, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Army Deputy Chief of Staff Lt Gen Gabriel Duop Lam, were also charged. They are all Machar allies who were arrested at the same time as him and have also been in detention ever since. Another 13 suspects remain at large.

Following the announcement, President Salva Kiir suspended Machar from his position as vice president.