Another judge in Machar trial falls ill, proceedings pushed to Monday

JUBA—The trial of suspended First Vice President and senior opposition leader Dr Riek Machar Teny and seven co-accused has been pushed to Monday, April 20, 2026, after a judge on the special court panel fell ill.

Judge Stephen Simon Binjigwa, a member of the judicial panel, on Friday rescheduled the 69th session to Monday to allow fellow panel member Issac Pur Majok time to recover from illness.

“This session had been scheduled for the court to continue the cross-examination of the expert witness, but due to the illness of Judge Issac Pur Majok, we are adjourning the hearing until Monday, April 20, 2026,” Binjigwa said.

This is the second time the court has halted proceedings due to the illness of panel member Issac Pur Majok, raising concerns about potential delays in concluding the case.

On March 25, 2026, Binjigwa ordered an immediate suspension of a court session after Pur fell sick, forcing the adjournment of the proceedings to 30th March 2026.

Machar, 73, who is currently under house arrest, faces charges including murder, conspiracy, terrorism, treason, and crimes against humanity.

The case has drawn widespread attention both domestically and internationally, given Machar’s prominent role in South Sudan’s political landscape and his long-standing rivalry with President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

His legal proceedings have been closely followed by regional and international stakeholders, many of whom have called for transparency and fairness in the judicial process.

Earlier this week, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Michael Makuei Lueth, said the trial was nearing conclusion. His remarks come amid growing regional and international pressure on the Kiir regime to unconditionally release Machar and other political detainees and engage in inclusive national dialogue.

The high-profile trial involves eight accused individuals, including Machar, and has drawn significant public and political attention. The prosecution team, comprising senior legal figures such as Counsel General Deng Achuil Adija, Dr Sabri Wani Lado, Serafino Simon Mizan, and Filberto Mayuot Mareng.

They are supported by a team of advocates and legal officers, including Ajo Onyo Issa, Gabriel Mading Apach, Deng Mabior Deng, Philip Anyang Ngong, Ajak Mayol Bior, Martha Jobet Jermaiha, James Bone Michael, Peter Garang, and Butrouse Yai Adhiew.

The defence team consists of six lawyers: Dr Geri Raimondu Lege, Kur Lual Kur, Anis Tombe Augustino, Deng John Deng, Warnyang Kiir Warnyang, and Regina Akeriaw Deng.

Major General Basile Thomas Wani leads the prosecution’s investigations, assisted by Brigadier General John Dak. Captain Richard Gachi Apollo of the Internal Security Service is listed as the complainant in the case.

The eight accused persons are Puot Kang Chuol, 40; Mam Pal Dhuor, 37; Gatwech Lam Puoch, 66; Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, 53; Dr Riek Machar Teny, 73; Camilo Gatmai Kel, 47; Mading Yak Riek, 45; and Dominic Gatgok Riek, 27.