Juba: The trial of the first Vice President Riek Machar began this Monday in South Sudan. He is accused by the government of treason, terrorism, and murder. The trial carries major political implications, as Riek Machar led opposition forces during the civil war that devastated the country between 2013 and 2018, before signing a peace agreement with President Salva Kiir.
According to France24.com, Machar’s defense team is questioning the legality of the special court handling the case. They argue that the court’s establishment and operations may not adhere to the legal and constitutional frameworks of South Sudan. This challenge is expected to influence the trial’s proceedings and timelines. The outcome of this trial could impact the fragile peace process in the nation, which has seen intermittent conflicts even after the 2018 peace agreement. The case has drawn attention both locally and internationally due to its potential ramifications on South Sudan’s political landscape.