South Sudan is set to witness one of the most consequential political and legal events in its young history, as the long-awaited trial of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny begins on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Freedom Hall in Juba.
The trial, which also involves seven senior members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO), will be broadcast live on the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), in what government officials describe as a measure of transparency and accountability.
SSBC to Broadcast Proceedings Live
Government spokesperson Anthony Gore confirmed the live coverage on Sunday, saying the case is of “national importance” and that the South Sudanese people deserve to follow the process closely.
“This is not an ordinary trial. It concerns a leader who has been central to the country’s politics for decades. For that reason, the government has decided to allow the public to witness the proceedings in real time,” Gore said.
The live transmission is expected to draw widespread attention across South Sudan and beyond, with political leaders, regional stakeholders, and international observers closely monitoring the developments.
Charges Against Machar and SPLM-IO Leaders
While authorities have not released the full list of charges, insiders indicate that the case revolves around alleged violations of the 2018 peace agreement, threats to national security, and acts deemed detrimental to state stability.
The seven SPLM-IO leaders standing trial alongside Machar are yet to be officially named, but reports suggest they include senior commanders and political allies accused of undermining peace implementation.
Legal experts note that the trial could set a precedent for how South Sudan handles political disputes and accountability in the future.
A Polarizing Political Figure
Dr. Riek Machar, a veteran politician and former rebel leader, has long been a polarizing figure in South Sudan’s political landscape. His rivalry with President Salva Kiir Mayardit has defined much of the country’s post-independence era, often spilling into violent conflict.
In December 2013, their fallout ignited a civil war that left hundreds of thousands dead and displaced millions.
The 2015 peace deal temporarily restored him as First Vice President, but renewed clashes forced him into exile.
The 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement once again brought him back into government, serving as First Vice President in a fragile unity government.
Now, in 2025, Machar finds himself in the dock, a position that could redefine his political legacy and reshape South Sudan’s political future.
Impact on the Elections
The trial comes at a delicate moment as South Sudan gears toward its first general elections in December. Machar, as head of the SPLM-IO, is a key player in the electoral process.
Analysts warn that prosecuting him and senior opposition leaders just months before the polls could raise questions about the inclusivity and credibility of the elections.
“This trial could either strengthen the rule of law or be seen as a political maneuver to weaken the opposition ahead of the elections,” said a political analyst in Juba.
International partners, including IGAD, the African Union, and the United Nations, are expected to follow the trial closely, given its potential implications for regional peace and security.
Reactions from SPLM-IO and Public Sentiment
The SPLM-IO has not issued a formal response to the trial announcement, but senior figures within the movement have previously accused the government of targeting opposition voices.
Public opinion in Juba remains divided. Some citizens welcome the trial as a step toward justice and accountability, while others view it as politically motivated.
“If Machar is guilty, let the evidence speak. But the timing, so close to elections, raises suspicions,” said a resident in Juba.
Regional and International Stakes
Machar’s trial is not only a domestic affair but also a regional concern. Neighboring countries such as Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda who have played mediating roles in South Sudan’s peace talks are expected to keep a close watch.
The United States, United Kingdom, and Norway (the Troika) have consistently pushed for accountability and respect for the peace agreement.
How they react to this trial could influence South Sudan’s diplomatic standing.
A Historic Legal Test
Monday’s opening session will mark the beginning of what many see as South Sudan’s biggest legal and political test since independence in 2011.
If handled transparently, the trial could strengthen public trust in the judiciary and set a foundation for addressing political grievances through courts rather than violence.
However, if seen as biased or politically motivated, it could risk reigniting tensions.
As the nation awaits, all eyes will turn to Freedom Hall and the live SSBC broadcast, where history will unfold before millions.
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