The lead investigator in the trial of suspended First Vice-President Riek Machar testified on Monday, October 20, that the opposition leader personally authorised the mobilisation of the White Army militia for coordinated assaults on South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) bases in Nasir and Ulang, Upper Nile State, in March 2025.
Presenting evidence before a special court in Juba, Maj. Gen. Basilio Thomas Wani alleged that Machar, as commander-in-chief of the SPLA-IO, issued written instructions to local officials to organise “security teams” that later launched deadly attacks on government garrisons. Wani told the court that after the militia overran Nasir, Machar failed to prevent the execution of surrendered soldiers, including Gen. David Majur Dak. Prosecutors said the White Army and SPLA-IO forces executed wounded troops after disarming them during an UN-assisted evacuation.
Machar, 75, and seven co-defendants are charged with treason, crimes against humanity, terrorism, and mass murder. The prosecution accused Machar’s allies of aiding the attacks through intelligence leaks, funding, and weapons procurement. Among them, MP Gatwech Lam Puoch allegedly spread intelligence to support militia mobilisation, while Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, the acting SPLA-IO chief of staff, was accused of sharing classified SSPDF data and discussing ammunition purchases. Another accused, Mam Pal Dhuor, allegedly financed operations through mobile money transfers and relayed casualty lists via WhatsApp, while National Security Service officer Camilo Gatmai Kel was said to have helped move unlicensed weapons.
Other defendants include radio operator Mading Yak Riek, accused of leaking troop movements and attempting to destroy evidence, and Dominic Gatgok Riek, who allegedly circulated promotion lists rewarding SPLA-IO officers after the Nasir assault. Machar’s defence lawyer, Dr. Geri Raimondo Legge, objected repeatedly to the prosecution’s line of questioning, claiming it was “leading and prejudicial,” but most objections were overruled by Presiding Judge James Alala Deng. The trial, which began on 22 September, was adjourned until Wednesday, 22 October, with the court yet to determine the status of several accused individuals still at large.
