Machar trial adjourned after technician falls sick

JUBA – The court hearing the trial of suspended Dr. Riek Machar and seven co-accused was on Wednesday adjourned after a key court technician reportedly fell ill, forcing proceedings to be suspended.

The technician—responsible for handling technical equipment used during the session—was unable to attend due to sickness, making it impossible for the court to continue as scheduled.

The 44th session was set for the prosecution to present its final witness, a forensic expert from South Africa.

Presiding Judge James Alala Deng ordered an adjournment until Friday, Jan. 30, citing procedural constraints.

“We have resolved that if the screen is not ready, we have to adjourn the session because the testimony should not be distorted, so we are adjourning for Friday,” Deng told the court on Wednesday.

Dr. Machar, 72, along with seven co-accused, faces serious charges including murder, treason, and crimes against humanity. The charges relate to a deadly attack on a military base in Nasir County in March 2025.

Prosecutors allege a militia linked to Dr. Machar was responsible for the attack, which resulted in the deaths of Maj. Gen. David Majur Dak, approximately 250 soldiers, and a member of a United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) helicopter crew.

The other individuals facing allegations of treason, crimes against humanity, mass murder, terrorism, and destruction of property are Puot Kang Chol, 40; Mam Pal Dhuor, 37; Gatwech Lam Puoch, 66; Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, 53; Camilo Gatmai Kel, 47; Mading Yak Riek, 45; and Dominic Gatgok Riek, 27.