JUBA, South Sudan — In a development that some fear could reignite the country’s civil war, South Sudan’s First Vice-President, Riek Machar, has been charged with murder, treason, and crimes against humanity.
According to Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech, the charges against Machar are related to an attack in March by a militia allegedly linked to the vice-president.
Following the announcement, roads leading to Machar’s house in the capital, Juba, have been blocked by tanks and soldiers.
Machar has been under house arrest since March, with the United Nations, African Union, and neighboring countries all calling for calm in the world’s newest nation.
The 2018 peace deal was meant to end a five-year civil war between forces loyal to Machar and those backing President Salva Kiir.
That conflict had claimed the lives of nearly 400,000 people. However, the relationship between the two leaders has become increasingly strained amidst persistent ethnic tensions and sporadic violence.
The March attack, which led to the charges, was carried out by the “White Ant militia,” a group largely composed of fighters from the Nuer ethnic group, which is the same as Machar.
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They reportedly overran an army base in the north-eastern town of Nasir, killing 250 soldiers and a general. During the incident, a UN helicopter also came under fire, leading to the death of its pilot.
In a statement justifying the charges, Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech said: “This case sends a clear message: those who commit atrocities against the people of South Sudan, against our armed forces, and against humanitarian personnel will be held accountable, no matter their position or political influence.”
Machar has not commented on the allegation that he was behind the attack.
South Sudan gained its independence from Sudan in 2011 after decades of conflict, but civil war erupted within just two years.