South Sudan charges VP Machar with treason, murder over military attack
Al Jazeera1 day
South Sudan's Vice President Charged with Treason, Murder
Above: Riek Machar in the garden of the Presidential Palace in Juba, on Feb. 3, 2023. Image copyright: Simon Maina/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
These charges reflect necessary accountability for serious crimes against South Sudan's military and civilians. The White Army attack killed over 250 soldiers and violated international humanitarian law through corpse desecration and attacks on humanitarian workers. Justice must proceed regardless of political position.
Narrative B
This prosecution constitutes a political witch hunt designed to eliminate opposition through a compromised judicial system. The charges, presented in a kangaroo court of law, violate the 2018 peace agreement and risk plunging the country back into devastating civil war. International partners should intervene to prevent this dangerous escalation.
Editor's Note
This story currently has limited reporting from right-leaning sources. We will continue to monitor all major outlets and update our coverage as additional perspectives become available.