South Sudan President Kiir Suspends Vice President Machar Over Treason Charges

South Sudan's First Vice President Riek Machar has been charged with treason, murder, crimes against humanity, terrorism, and betrayal, related to alleged involvement in attacks by the White Army ethnic militia on federal soldiers in March 2025. President Salva Kiir suspended Machar from office pending trial, along with Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and other officials, escalating the deep-rooted rivalry between Kiir and Machar that previously fueled a devastating civil war from 2013 to 2018. Machar has been under house arrest since March, with formal charges delayed amid concerns that his prosecution might worsen tensions and potentially reignite conflict in the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement. International observers and mediators have repeatedly urged Machar's release, warning that his detention threatens to undermine the unity government and destabilize South Sudan further. Twenty-one individuals in total have been indicted, with some detained and others at large, as the government pursues what critics call politically motivated prosecutions aimed at weakening opposition forces. The situation highlights ongoing political struggles in South Sudan, where security forces and judicial processes are reportedly used to suppress opposition, raising fears of renewed violence.