Trial of South Sudan’s Suspended VP Riek Machar Set to Resume After Months of Delays
JUBA, South Sudan – The politically charged trial of South Sudan’s suspended First Vice President, Riek Machar, is scheduled to restart in Juba on Friday, November 21, 2025, after being stalled for months by a series of procedural and logistical hurdles.
Machar, a central figure in the nation’s turbulent politics, was suspended from his position earlier this year. He faces allegations of violating the landmark 2018 peace agreement by inciting unrest—charges he vehemently denies, asserting they are a politically motivated attempt to sideline him.
The path to the trial has been anything but straightforward, marked by multiple postponements. Machar’s defense team has launched several legal challenges, questioning the very jurisdiction of the court to hear the case. They have also raised significant concerns about the safety of witnesses and argued that limited access to crucial case documents has prevented them from building a full defense.
Court officials, meanwhile, have attributed the repeated delays to overarching security and logistical issues, without providing specific details.
The resumption of the trial is a critical moment for South Sudan, with the potential to significantly impact the fragile coalition government and the country’s long-term stability. Observers are watching closely to see if the proceedings can move forward or if further obstacles will arise.
About The Author
