Treason Trial Opens for South Sudan’s Suspended Vice President 

South Sudan’s suspended First Vice President Riek Machar appeared in court Monday in the capital of Juba for the opening day of his trial on multiple charges, including treason, with some worried that the prosecution of a key leader in the country may spark a return to civil war, Reuters reported. 

Monday marked the first time that Machar, who appeared in a cage alongside his co-defendants, was seen in public since he was placed under house arrest in March for their alleged involvement in raids by the ethnic Nuer-dominated White Army militia in the northeast earlier this year, which resulted in clashes with the army.   

His detention sparked fears of a renewal of the civil war between his Nuer forces and Dinka fighters, who are loyal to South Sudan President Salva Kiir, a longtime rival.   

Kiir suspended Machar from his post earlier this month.  

Besides treason, Machar and 20 other individuals are also charged with crimes against humanity, murder, conspiracy, terrorism, destruction of public property and military assets, Reuters wrote. Machar’s SPLM-IO party has rejected the charges against him and the others. 

In opening remarks, a lawyer for Machar opposed the trial by what he described as “an incompetent court” that lacks jurisdiction, the Associated Press reported. 

The defense argued that Machar cannot be criminally charged without endangering the intent of a 2018 peace agreement between Machar and Kiir to end the 2013-2018 civil war between their rival forces. That peace deal laid the basis for the transitional government in which Machar has been serving as first vice president.  

One of Machar’s lawyers described the court as “unconstitutional, unlawful, illegal, and void,” arguing that Machar maintained the immunity of a sitting vice president. 

Kiir and Machar led the rebel movement that secured South Sudan’s independence from Sudan in 2011. Analysts say there is a long history of animosity between the two going back three decades, even as they have worked together to secure independence and govern.  

However, they add that this animosity has grown over the years as Machar has waited his turn to become president, even as Kiir has held on to his post. Presidential elections in South Sudan have been repeatedly delayed.