South Sudan Vice President Riek Machar Charged With Murder, Treason, Crimes Against Humanity

South Sudan's First Vice-President Riek Machar has been charged with murder, treason, and crimes against humanity following an attack on a military base in Nasir County by the White Army militia, which resulted in the deaths of more than 250 soldiers and a UN pilot. The attack in early March severely undermined the fragile power-sharing agreement between Machar and President Salva Kiir, whose rival factions previously fought a civil war that killed around 400,000 people. Machar has been under house arrest since March, and alongside 20 others, faces additional charges including conspiracy, terrorism, and destruction of public property. Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech accused Machar of commanding the militia and highlighted the violations of international humanitarian law during the assault. International and regional actors have expressed concern that these charges could destabilize South Sudan further and potentially lead to a relapse into civil war. Despite calls for Machar's release, the political tensions remain high, and his supporters continue to demand his freedom, while the government insists on accountability for the violence.