20/10/2025
Investigator Links Dr. Riek Machar to Nasir Garrison Attack
Juba, Oct. 20, 2025 — The lead investigator in the ongoing Nasir incident trial has accused suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar of failing to prevent atrocities committed by his forces during the March 2025 attack on the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) garrison in Nasir.
Presenting before the Special Court on Monday, Maj. Gen. Basilio Thomas Wani told the panel that Machar, as Commander-in-Chief of the SPLA-IO, neglected his responsibility to stop the assault allegedly carried out by SPLA-IO forces in collaboration with the White Army.
> “The accused, by virtue of his authority, failed to prevent the atrocities committed during the Nasir incident. He did not take any action to stop the attacks on the SSPDF garrison,” Wani said.
He added that Machar failed to uphold a pledge to ensure the safe evacuation of the late Maj. Gen. David Majur Dak and his forces.
> “He gave guarantees to UNMISS to provide safe passage by moving the White Army 300–500 meters away from the Nasir military garrison. This never happened, resulting in the killing of the general and others,” the investigator stated.
Wani further told the court that Machar had written to the commissioners of Nasir and Ulang counties, forming two committees of chiefs, White Army members, and SPLA-IO commanders to facilitate the safe movement of SSPDF forces. However, according to Wani, these committees instead became mobilization units for the attack.
> “We established that the members of the two teams mobilized the White Army, launched the attack, and overran the garrison,” he revealed.
In an earlier statement, Machar maintained that his letter aimed to de-escalate tensions, not incite violence.
The investigator also outlined the roles of eight accused individuals, who allegedly coordinated, financed, and provided intelligence for the attack. He was, however, barred by the judge from presenting details of 13 additional accused persons at large, pending a court decision on whether they will be tried in absentia.
Machar and the seven co-accused face charges of murder, conspiracy, terrorism, treason, financing terrorist acts, destruction of public property, and crimes against humanity.
The charges stem from the March 2025 clashes in Nasir, which left Maj. Gen. David Majur Dak and 257 SSPDF soldiers dead.
The court adjourned the session to Wednesday.
© Freedom Press / TRC
