14/11/2025
South Sudan's suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar
November 14, 2025 JUBA
The main complainer has testified that South Sudanās suspended First Vice-President, Dr. Riek Machar, conspired with his forces and the White Army militia to orchestrate attacks on the military base in Nasir County.
Dr. Machar, 73, is on trial alongside seven others for murder, treason, and crimes against humanity. The charges stem from an attack on the South Sudan Peopleās Defence Forces (SSPDF) garrison in Nasir on 3 March 2025, which killed more than 200 soldiers, including Major General David Majur Dak.
Captain Richard Gachi Apollo of the National Security Serviceās Internal Security Bureau appeared as the complainer in the case.
Testifying during the 21st session at Freedom Hall in Juba on Friday, he told the special court that Dr. Machar had āplottedā with the White Army and the SPLA-IO opposition group, sharing intelligence to target the SSPDF.
Defence Questions Specifics of Allegations
Under cross-examination from Dr. Macharās lawyer, Warnyang Kiir Warnyang, Captain Apollo was pressed for details on the nature of the alleged collaboration.
When asked how exactly Dr. Machar worked with the armed groups to attack the Nasir army base, the complainer stated he was ānot aware of the exact method.ā
The defence also questioned him on the role of the first accused, suspended petroleum minister Puot Kang Chuol. Captain Apollo alleged that Mr. Puot provided funding and mobilised forces for both groups and was privy to intelligence about the planned assault.
He clarified that the support was financial but said he did not know the specific amounts involved.
Prosecution Outlines Case Origin
The prosecutor, Serafino Simon Mizan, asked Captain Apollo why he had brought the case forward. The complainer stated he was representing the National Security Service in case number 1533-2025, which was initiated after the agency received intelligence on 21 January 2025.
